Caste segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2010
United States

Definition

Caste segregation refers to the practice of separating individuals and communities based on their caste in a society. Caste is a hierarchical social structure prevalent in many South Asian countries, particularly India, where individuals are grouped into specific social classes based on their birth.

Caste segregation has historically led to the exclusion and discrimination of certain castes, particularly those considered "lower" or "untouchable" castes. Members of such castes have been socially and physically isolated, facing limited access to resources, education, and employment opportunities. They have also been subjected to various forms of social and economic exploitation, often living in separate neighborhoods or settlements and facing restrictions on interacting with members of higher castes.

Although modern laws and constitutional amendments in countries like India have criminalized caste-based discrimination and promote equal rights for all, caste segregation continues to persist in various forms. It can be observed in social practices, such as restrictions on inter-caste marriages and social gatherings, as well as in spatial segregation where certain neighborhoods or areas are predominantly inhabited by specific castes.

Efforts to curb caste segregation and promote equality include legal protections, affirmative action policies, and social reform movements. Nevertheless, addressing caste segregation remains a significant challenge, requiring comprehensive social changes and awareness to dismantle deeply ingrained caste-based prejudices and discrimination.

Synonyms

The following terms are synonymous with caste segregation:

caste based segregation.

References and literature addressing this segregation form under these synonymous terms can be found below.

Related segregation forms

Caste segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

social segregation, urban segregation, spatial segregation, residential segregation

This visualization is based on the study The Multidisciplinary Landscape of Segregation Research.

For the complete network of interrelated segregation forms, please refer to:

First year of publication

Louvain clusters

Betweenness centrality

Disciplines in which segregation forms first emerged (Scopus database).

References

Notes

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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