Question- Does politics also affect caste? Explain.

Answer -

So far we have looked at the same thing that what is the role of caste in politics. But, this does not mean that there is only one sided relationship between caste and politics. Politics also influences the caste system and caste identity by bringing castes into the political arena. In this way, not only politics becomes caste-ridden, caste also becomes politicized. This thing takes many forms.

Every race wants to make itself great. So, earlier she tried to bring the sub-castes of her group out of her group by calling them small or low, now they try to bring them with her.

Since one caste cannot seize power on its own, it tries to take along other castes or communities to gain more political power and thus dialogue and negotiations take place between them.

New types of caste mobilization have also taken place in politics, such as ‘forward’ and ‘backward’.

Thus caste plays a variety of roles in politics and in a way the same things play out in politics around the world. Political parties around the world try to mobilize social groups and communities to get votes. Caste differences and inequalities in politics in certain situations also create scope for the marginalized and vulnerable communities to raise their voices and demand their share in power. In this sense, caste politics has created a situation for the people belonging to the Dalit and backward castes to reach power and influence the decision-making process in a better way. Many parties and non-political organizations have been agitating for the demand to end discrimination against particular castes, to treat them with more respect, to provide them land, property and opportunities. But at the same time, it is also true that emphasizing on caste alone can be harmful. As is evident from the issue of religion, politics based solely on caste identity does not bode well for democracy. This often diverts people’s attention from bigger issues like poverty, development, corruption. Sometimes casteism also promotes tension, conflict and violence.

...Prev | Next...