Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the "book-view" initially, How did the entry of "field-view" bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss. (UPSC CSE Mains 2021 - Sociology, Paper 1)
The “book-view” approach to studying the caste system in India primarily relied on ancient texts, religious scriptures, and historical documents to understand and interpret the caste system. This approach often led to a static, rigid, and hierarchical understanding of the caste system, which did not necessarily reflect the actual experiences and complexities of the caste system in everyday life.
The entry of the “field-view” approach brought about a balance in the study of the Indian caste system by emphasizing the importance of empirical research, ethnographic studies, and sociological analysis. This approach involved researchers going out into the field, interacting with people from different castes, and observing their social interactions, customs, and practices.
The field-view approach contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the caste system in several ways:
- Contextual understanding: The field-view approach highlighted the importance of understanding the caste system within specific social, economic, and political contexts. This helped researchers to see how the caste system was shaped by and responded to various historical and contemporary forces, such as colonialism, urbanization, and economic development.
- Fluidity and flexibility: Field studies revealed that the caste system was not as rigid and fixed as the book-view approach suggested. Instead, it was found that caste identities and relationships were often fluid, negotiable, and subject to change over time. This challenged the notion of a strictly hierarchical and unchanging caste system.
- Internal diversity: The field-view approach also highlighted the internal diversity and variations within castes, which were often overlooked in the book-view approach. Researchers found that there were significant differences in the customs, practices, and social status of different sub-castes and caste groups within the same region or community.
- Agency and resistance: Field studies also brought to light the ways in which individuals and communities negotiated, resisted, and subverted the caste system. This helped to challenge the idea that the caste system was an all-encompassing and unchangeable social order, and instead highlighted the role of human agency in shaping and contesting the caste system.
- Inter-caste relations: The field-view approach also provided insights into the complex and dynamic nature of inter-caste relations, including the ways in which different castes interacted, cooperated, and competed with each other. This helped to move beyond simplistic notions of caste hierarchy and untouchability, and instead revealed the multiple dimensions of caste-based social interactions.
The entry of the field-view approach thus brought about a balance in the study of the Indian caste system by providing a more nuanced, contextual, and dynamic understanding of the caste system. By emphasizing the importance of empirical research and sociological analysis, the field-view approach challenged many of the assumptions and stereotypes associated with the book-view approach and contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the caste system in India.
Next
previous
Latest News
EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
General Studies