304 Society and Beliefs
WHAT ARE THE CASTE AND CLASS SYSTEMS?
The caste system is an ancient, inflexible system of social and economic hierarchy,
closely aligned with some Hindu beliefs. In the caste system, fixed social roles are
inherited. While this often guarantees employment, it also means that caste
members cannot improve their social status. In most other societies, people are
born into a social position or class, depending on the property, employment, or
wealth of their family. However, education and economic success can help people
improve their social position.Sociologists have shown that all societies are stratified or
divided into layers, which may be based on class, ethnicity,
or sex. As a result, some people in a society have more
advantages than others, leading to social inequality.
WHY ARE SOME SOCIETIES DIVIDED?
Some basic differences between people may affect
their place in the social hierarchy.. GENDER
divisions are common because of the different roles
men and women play in bearing and raising children.
Other divisions come from the unequal distribution
of. WEALTH, or attitudes to. ETHNICITY.HOW CAN PEOPLE BE TREATED EQUALLY?
In recent history, many societies have passed laws that
prohibit discrimination against people based on race,
gender, or age. These ensure that all people are treated
equally by employers, governments, and other
members of society. These laws have primarily been
won by struggle, protest, and organisation.CAN SOCIAL DIVISIONS CHANGE?
Societies can change when the roles dividing people,
such as the division of labour, are shared more equally.
For example, peace-making efforts between Catholics
and Protestants in Northern Ireland are directed at
sharing political power and job opportunities fairly.4 EDUCATIONAL GOALS
All children deserve a good
education to help them achieve
their full potential. Wealthy
people often choose to buy a
better education for their
children, giving them access to a
full range of activities outside the
classroom, such as sports or
music. Many developing countries
cannot afford to provide any
education after primary level.1 BASIC NEEDS
This Peruvian boy is one of billions of people around the world who live
in poverty, without enough money to meet their basic needs – around a
third of the world’s population, according to the United Nations.
Poor people often have limited access to healthcare and education.Social Equality
CROSSING BARRIERS 3
When people use their talents
and skills to cross physical and
social barriers, it provides
inspiration to others. Singer
Stevie Wonder and former US
President Bill Clinton both
overcame obstacles to achieve
their success.