Despite India's rapid growth over the past decade, the northern half has not prospered at the same rate as the southern half. According to this article, this is due to the differences in the effects of caste system, despite the fact that it was abolished a Southern India is said to have "stronger governments, better infrastructure, and a better geographic location" which lead its people to "earn more money, be better educated, live longer lives, and have fewer children." This is the result no longer being oppressed by the caste system. Southern India has been more progressive over the last century and basically (according to the article) abolished the caste system, while northern India is said to be entrenched in the Caste system. The reason for northern India's reliance on this system is political and social gain. Leaders within the different caste (including the lower castes) use their caste identity to gather strength and ultimately votes for the political identity.
Though not the point of this article, I'm curious whether the leadership within the different castes use their political status to enhance the situation of their caste or are the poor just the means to their ends as is seen with the poor in developing countries around the world.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/11/world/asia/11caste.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=india%20caste&st=cse
Jonathan:
ReplyDeleteI have lived in Delhi for many years. This is definitely a political and social issue. Although, the government has set up quotas for lower castes; there are quotas for college admissions, subsidized food, and more. However, the population that is poor and belong to the lower caste are only allowed to certain jobs in the society, like cleaning the streets, houses. I believe that this is a discrimination against humanity and is a vital social issue. All human beings should be treated equally in all aspects.
I believe that the best way to make this change is to start educating children that all the human beings should be treated equal. The caste system has been prevalent for many centuries and it will take a while to make this change happen.