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The Indian Caste System, 2007.
This paper explores social inequality in India's caste system.
1,216 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that India has a socially ingrained and structured system, the caste system, that inculcates and perpetuates differences and inequality. The paper discusses how those in the higher and more respected castes often receive more social status and recognition while those in the lowest castes are subject to a life of poverty and social denial from which they cannot escape. The paper explains, however, that the problems underlying the inequalities perpetuated by the caste system are closely linked to religious views, which makes them difficult to eradicate.
From the Paper
"The term caste refers to "... ranked, named, endogamous (in-marrying) groups, membership in which is achieved by birth. "(India Caste system, ancient India Caste System) There are literarily thousands of different castes and sub-castes in India. They are also extremely complex in their structure and can be kinship based and also interdependent with other groups. Castes are, "...linked in complex ways with networks that stretch across regions and throughout the nation." (India Caste system, ancient India Caste System)"
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The Caste System in India, 2006.
This paper looks at the plight of women within the caste system in India.
2,925 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 11 sources, $ 115.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer studies the caste system in India. The writer states that this system has long been a target of criticism and understandably so. The writer claims that by dividing people into desirable and undesirable people and by forbidding, at least in the abstract, intermarriage between various groups, the caste system undermines the essential human equality of all citizens and creates the grounds for ethnic and social tension. Further, the writer notes that for women especially the caste system is destructive, because it renders them little more than an adjunct to their husbands, while simultaneously denying them the freedom to share their lives with whom they wish.
From the Paper
"The general status of women is harmed by the caste system in additional ways that go beyond just the potential violence they must confront all-too-frequently. Ultimately, caste determines the type of social mixing permitted, the type of wells at which one can draw water and the types of technology rural inhabitants can use in tending to their lands. In addition, land is almost invariably in the hands of the Brahman elite and underlings are dependent upon their superiors for employment."
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The Caste System of Modern India, 2006.
This paper discusses the caste system of social class in India today.
2,061 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper details the history of India's caste system. The paper discusses the system of social class in modern India and how it is detrimental to the incorporation of democracy into Indian society. The paper maintains that the people of India should advocate more changes to dissolve the harshest cultural traditions, so as to enforce equality and better the lives of their citizens.
Outline:
Introduction
Caste System
Government Not Doing Enough
Lingering Traditions
Government Should Campaign for Attitude Change
Government Should Better Enforce Equality
Conclusion
From the Paper
"India is one of the most fascinating countries in the entire world. It has a culture teeming with attractive fashions, exotic foods, interesting religions, and much more. However, behind the glamour of this exotic society lie many things that tourists usually fail to see. Although India has become independent from the British, and has become a democratic society, it "... is a hierarchical society... in daily life there is little advocacy of or adherence to notions of equality." Most of the people of India live in conditions of poverty, usually forced on them by their places in religious or class systems. As India continues to move toward adopting Western principles in politics and technology, its people need to realize that the human rights of its indigenous population are an important part of the balance of a democracy, because as long as there are still vestiges of the caste system present in Indian society, then its people will not be prepared for modernization to take place. Therefore, the government should be taking more steps to ensure the dissolution of traditional Indian hierarchy and promoting a more encompassing move toward liberal democracy."
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The Caste system, 2006.
This paper examines India's caste system of the past and of today.
2,140 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the history of the caste system in India, depicting the levels and ranks of the system and their interaction with each other. The paper shows how, in modern India, the traditions of caste are different in villages and in urban areas. The paper discusses how there are still many instances of discrimination based on caste, but concludes that the people of India may soon realize that the human rights of its indigenous population are an important part of the balance of a democracy.
Outline:
Introduction
Levels/Ranks
Intercaste Relations
Changes in the System
Village Vs. Urban
Conclusion
From the Paper
"India is one of the most fascinating countries in the entire world. It has a culture teeming with attractive fashions, exotic foods, interesting religions, and much more. Some even say that India is becoming the "new Hollywood," as so-called Bollywood movies are becoming more and more popular. India is also one of the largest political democracies in the world. However, behind the glamour of this exotic society lie many things that tourists usually fail to see. Most of the people of India live in conditions of poverty, usually forced on them by their places in religious or class systems. Although India has become independent from the British, and has become a democratic society, it "... is a hierarchical society... in daily life there is little advocacy of or adherence to notions of equality.""
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The Caste System, 2002.
Examines the Indian social/religious system which divides human beings into four distinct categories.
1,682 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the caste system in Indian society, focusing on the lowest class of humans, the 'chandalas' or the 'untouchables' who are the mixed offspring of different castes. The paper provides an historical background of the caste system which came into being around 600-664CE. It then looks at the situation of the untouchables who are denied many social and religious privileges and the role the Indian government plays in trying to intervene to overcome this discrimination. The paper discusses the future of the caste system, especially the situation of the disadvantaged.
From the Paper
"The longevity of the caste system is rooted in traditional Hindu thinking. The caste system was not born overnight, but had evolved over three millennia, adapting to the innumerable migrations and invasions of diverse peoples, before becoming what it is today (Paz 44). Thus, the Indian government has an uphill battle in attempting to overturn the prejudices of the caste system. Apart from increasing the quotas of the jobs to the backward classes and the scheduled castes, the government should improve their access to education ("Casting" 18). Currently, only 62% of Indians complete primary education with less than half enrolled in secondary school. In order to promote the causes of the disadvantaged classes, education will be a key factor in enabling them to rise above the prejudices of the caste system. Furthermore, with the rise of urbanization and Western influence, the power of the caste system has diminished in the cities. In the distant future, the ideal Indian society can be created?one that respects the essential role of the caste system in endowing each individual with a sense of lineage and identity, without the dire discrimination perpetrated against the backward classes and the scheduled castes."
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Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World., 2008.
A Critique of Jack Weatherford's "Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World."
1,495 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses that the term 'Indian giver' has come to be a synonym for someone who gives something, only to take it back. The paper further explains that it was the Indians who were forced to give to the Europeans--their knowledge about farming and fishing in the Americas and ultimately their land. The paper discusses that in Jack Weatherford's book, "Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World," the exchange between Europeans and Native Americans was an unequal one, with Europeans taking of the positive benefits of the New World, while the Indians were doing all of the giving. The paper concludes that unwittingly, the Indians found themselves the recipient of the evils of European civilization, like slavery, and a disrespectful attitude to the land.
From the Paper
"According to Weatherford, the early post-Columbian contact of the Europeans with the native populace actually enabled the Industrial Revolution to change Europe, and ultimately the world. "Had Europe and America not come together through Columbus or some other connection, the industrial revolution would never have happened in the way we know it," because Europeans would never have gained access to the metals of the New World, or to Indian mines (Weatherford 57). This contact also generated the money economy of Europe and fueled a shift to a European economy based upon real, hard, convertible currency. Metal-based currency also was critical in fueling industrialism and world trade. By beginning the book with tales of South American encounters with Europe, which were particularly brutal and unequal from the beginning of the Indian-European relationship, Weatherford initiates a tragic tone, explaining how enslaved South American Indians mining gold and silver in Potosi supplied the precious metals for most of the European coins that generated wealth for the Old World at the expense of the liberty of the New World."
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"Cracking India" in a Socio-Political Context, 2006.
An analysis of the book "Cracking India" by Bapsi Sidhwa looking into the socio-political setting of the book, and a deeper look into Indian's social and religious caste systems.
2,003 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the historical context of the characters of the book "Cracking India". It explains how the novel is a testament of Sidhwa's defiance and disagreement to the Partition, which the author believed was a political action implemented to induce disunity among the Indians. The writer further discusses the religious and social caste systems and their impact on British occupation.
From the Paper
"This was the socio-political landscape in which Sidhwa's characters found themselves in in "Cracking." Through the main characters Lenny and Ayah, we, the readers, were able to witness how the Partition was perceived and interpreted by people within the Indian society. Sidhwa's characters were evidently not able to grasp the gravity of the political condition their country was in. As India entered into the agreement called the Partition, glaring and antagonistic diversity emerged, creating disunity and inciting violence among people of various cultures and religious beliefs."
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Untouchables, 2008.
An analysis of the relationship between Hinduism and the caste system in India.
1,234 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the system of Untouchables within the context of Eastern religions and Indian society. It discusses the tradition of the caste system in India. The paper also discusses what connection, if any, there is between the caste system and the Untouchables, and Hinduism. It concludes that the Untouchables are not a Hindu concept, but are rather based on Indian tradition and culture.
From the Paper
"While it seems fair to conclude that the system of discriminating against a caste of people known as the Untouchables persists in India to this day, and that this results in systemic discrimination against millions of people, it also seems fair to conclude that the blame should not be laid at the door of Hinduism. After all, many academics agree that it is a system which has arisen out of historical factors, and that it manifests primarily in economic, social and political outcomes. Therefore, while it is fair to see the system as problematic, it is not fair to therefore see Hinduism as some kind of "primitive" religion. On the contrary, great Hindus such as Gandhi have spoken out against the system. It is also unfair to look down on India as a whole because of this system. After all, most social systems retain some kind of discrimination based on historical factors. For example, women are still discriminated against in Western society to this day - and worldwide, there are still pitifully few female leaders of countries. Thus, we might simply conclude that the Untouchable system is simply one more manifestation of the reality that all human societies so far have failed to achieve equality."
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Hinduism, Yoga and Ayurveda, 2002.
A thorough examination of the origins of Hindu practice, including various disciplines of yoga, ayurvedic medicine, the concept and meaning of chakras and the caste system.
7,106 words (approx. 28.4 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 159.95
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Abstract
This paper offers a history of the origins and practices of Hinduism from a sympathetic, yet still scholarly perspective. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of the belief system and its development through various disciplines of yoga and the practice of ayurvedic medicine. Explication of the concept of chakras and their relevance to yoga and ayurveda is also provided. The paper also offers insight into broader Indian perspectives of Hindu beliefs in general and the caste system in particular.
From the Paper
"It is perhaps this suspension of Western societal or moral judgement that makes cross-cultural study such a challenging and difficult endeavor for students and scholars outside India. If we are to grow as a global community however, we must make every effort to bridge these intellectual and philosophical gaps in order to learn and appreciate wisdom that does not always speak in our tongue. Likewise, because not all of any one social construct or philosophy, Eastern or Western, offers nothing but truth and beauty, we must also maintain a wide range of knowledge regarding the errors of other ways, in order to best assess the efficacy of the paths that we might choose."
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The Advantages to the Well-Being of Society, 2000.
This paper provides an in-depth look at the caste system in a Hindu society.
2,270 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 3 sources, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the classification, or caste, system that exists in Hindu societies and the purposes. The author discusses the Brahmins, who are priests and scholars; the Kshatrias, warriors and rulers; the Vaishyas, who pursue commerce and trades; and the Shudras, serfs who serve and support the three higher groups.
From the Paper:
"The Western idea of knowledge and wisdom almost always, it seems, has a material purpose, to master physical problems in physical ways. The Hindu idea is to master what is physical to be liberated from physical concern altogether. Thus it seems true that in general all cultures, human development can be described as the process from childhood to youth to adulthood to old age. It also seems true that all cultures can be said to desire wisdom and knowledge. But the real importance of the whole process is judged by each culture?s priorities, which are not the same in Hinduism, in Buddhism, and in the West."
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Nietzsche?s Alternative, 2004.
Examines Friedrich Nietzsche's caste system within the context of Fredrick Appel's "Nietzsche Contra Democracy".
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
Fredrick Appel is one of the few that carefully agrees with Nietzsche's alternative to democracy in his work, "Nietzsche Contra Democracy". This paper examines Nietzsche's proposal for a caste system. For Nietzsche, democracy creates an illusion were everyone thinks they are right and seldom seeks advice from their betters. In a well-ordered society, everyone has their place, and the lower-ordered human beings are honored to seek and follow the advice of their betters. In such a society, everyone is working together to reach a better ultimate goal, whatever that goal may be.
From the Paper
"In a caste system, "the natural slave would flourish - in his own limited manner... in a properly ordered society the natural slave finds an intrinsic satisfaction in the fulfillment of his or her limited capacities" (Appel, 129). It is refreshing to think that even a man such as a slave could find a harmonious satisfaction with life, instead of forgetting his own significant virtues and attempting to strive for those he does not attain or need. This type of satisfaction that is born out of a caste system leads to everyone treating one another with respect. Jealousy and envy towards the Jones's is diminished, and a life trying to keep up with the Jones's is recognized as unsatisfying and, actually, never considered. In Nietzsche's words, "For the mediocre, it is happiness to be mediocre" (Appel, 129)."
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"Indian Givers", 2005.
A review of the book "Indian Givers: How Indians of the Americas Transformed the World, Volume I" by Jack Weatherford.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that Jack Weatherford began to examine the history of the Native American as he discovered that many agricultural products would not have been produced in farming without the knowledge that Indians gave those in the new world. The paper describes how Weatherford further stipulates that it is through these advances in agriculture that the United States has remained a strong contender in the global market ,and that without the influences of the Native Americans on the early settlers those new to America would not have survived. The paper analyzes how, through his work, "Indian Givers: How Indians of the Americas Transformed the World", Volume I, Weatherford brings an insight to a people that most individuals have been negligent in understanding. The paper concludes that it is Weatherford's purpose to demonstrate that Native Americans have been a misrepresented and forgotten people when the history of North America is discussed.
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How Siddhartha Relates to Today's Culture, 2001.
An examination of past Indian society and caste system and its relation to today's society.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This essay deals with the characteristics of civilization in India during the time of Siddhartha. The author focuses on how the values during the time period of Siddhartha deal with the values of our society today.
From the Paper
"Siddhartha provides many examples of the civilization in India in the fifth century before Christ and parts of the Caste system, and many religious people. One of these characteristics of Indian civilization is the presence of Brahmins, very spiritual priests who were at the top of the Caste system pyramid. Siddhartha?s father was a Brahmin priest, and if Siddhartha chose to stay at home, he would have become one, too."
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Gender Inequality in Indian Education, 2007.
This paper describes the gender inequality that exists in Indian education and recommends changes to India's education system.
3,450 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the situation of under-privileged girl children in India in terms of the education system there. The paper makes this analysis through the examination of the interplay of several historical, social, cultural and political factors. The paper relates that it was during the end of the nineteenth century, when the Indian government realized the need for the education of women. The paper further relates that measures adopted during the later years, proved insufficient and, at the time of independence, the government was faced with the formidable task of educating a large section of the uneducated, illiterate population. The paper notes that the government of India thus under took several policies to improve girls' accessibility to education, at least during the early years of the child's life. The paper then points out that it has been widely perceived that bridging the gender gap in education will provide an effective solution to the problem of gender equality. This paper re-examines this contention.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Gender 'Inequality' in Education
Measuring Gender Inequality
Achieving Gender Parity in Primary Education
Reducing the Gender Gap
Increasing Enrollment Levels of the Girl Child
Focused Interventions Gender Parity in Education
Social Dimension of the Problem
Gender Division of Labor
Focused Interventions Recommendations
Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes
Rural Urban Divide
Moving towards Gender Equality
Right to Education
Ensuring Access with Equity
Physical Accessibility
Creating a Physical Environment
Improvement in State Functioning
Rights in Education
Creating a Safe and Equitable School Environment
Sexism in the Curriculum
Right through Education
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Unequal gender relations may arise due to domestic violence, stress as well as cultural practices of exclusion. These factors, not only promote unequal gender relations but also impact gender related development outcomes. It has been argued that irrespective of the overall socio-economic background, in most cases views on femininity come in conflict with the goals of education, which are directed towards survival and unity. Although education emphasizes on independence and promotes a spirit of inquiry, traditional notions of femininity seek; to create a docile and submissive character of the girl child."
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"North American Indian Ecology", 2006.
This paper reviews and examines Donald Hughes' book "North American Indian Ecology" which focuses on a wide range of ecological and environmental issues faced by Native American Indians in the 20th century.
2,310 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper explores and details North American Indian life and culture as portrayed in Donald Hughes' book "North American Indian Ecology." This paper discusses the land issues facing the North American Indian tribes including overgrazing, erosion and assessments of appropriate land usage. The writer of this paper finds Hughes' book to be straightforward and concise in clarifying the characteristics of Indian life such as hunting, food growing and rituals.
From the Paper
"Tribes are having to mediate the disparate demands of their members and the industrial mindset of the BIA to balance forest use for economic need and preservation for cultural need. Tribes face many of the same problems as non-Native communities held hostage by the timber industry. Replanting has not always kept pace with harvesting on public or trust lands. The push to harvest old-growth timber is constrained by federal mandates to protect endangered species habitats, putting people out of work. Few local communities gain the "value-added" benefits of processing their own timber especially jobs and new businesses and when they do the environmental impact of mill sites has to be factored into any cost-benefit analysis."
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