Origins of Inequality—Caste

Abstract

Caste discrimination has a profound impact on the social, economic, cultural and political spheres in India and its neighboring countries. The caste system has had far-reaching effects in these areas, hindering social mobility and economic development for many. This paper focuses on the caste issue and its impact on lower-caste communities in India. The issue is deeply connected with various social challenges, including discrimination due to caste and sexual orientation, facing significant obstacles in expressing their identity, accessing social support, and securing equal rights. In education and health, the system leads to unequal access to resources for lower-classe students, resulting in high dropout rates and low tertiary enrollment, hindered their chances to improve their lives through education. Health is also impacted, as lower caste communities often live in areas with poor sanitation and limited healthcare access, leading to worse health outcomes and further deepening quality of life disparities.