Analyse the differences between the attributional and interactional approach in studying the caste system.
Section: A
Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis
(Paper 2: Unit-12 Social Structure; Caste System)
Question: 1 (c) Analyse the differences between the attributional and interactional approach in studying the caste system.
(10 Marks)
|
Introduction: Brief Introduction About Caste as Unique Social Reality and Two Different Approaches Studying Caste Main Body: Detailed Analysis of Attributional and Interactional Approach Highlighting Difference in Both by Using Ideas of Various Sociologists Conclusion: On the Lines that Caste is Dynamic Reality of Indian Society to be Understood with Different Approaches to get Better Understanding |
Introduction:
- India’s caste system is among the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification. Caste is considered as both, a cultural and structural phenomenon. Caste is also viewed from two broad perspectives; attributional and interactional perspectives.
- Attributes are considered as inherent inalienable qualities associated with the caste system. For example, Bougle, Ghurye And Louis Dumont used this perspective to focus on three key features of caste.
- Interactional approach takes into account how castes are actually ranked with respect to one another in a local empirical context. Though it also mentions attributes, but its prime focus is on interactions. Beteille is one such sociologist who subscribed to this view.
Main body:
- Attributional approach discusses primarily the significant features of the caste system qua system and what distinguishes it from other forms of the social stratification. Interaction approach takes into account how castes are actually ranked with respect to one another in a local empirical context.
- The attributional approach, characterized by scholars like S. Ghurye and M.N. Srinivas, concentrates on inherent caste attributes such as hierarchy, endogamy, and traditional occupations, seeking to define caste based on these characteristics, while the interactional approach, exemplified by F.G. Bailey and L. Dumont, explores actual caste relationships within specific contexts like commensality and food types, emphasizing the role of rituals and religious values in determining caste hierarchy.
- For example Bailey feels that caste dynamics and identity are united by the two principles of segregation and hierarchy. He feels that ‘“Castes Stand in ritual and secular hierarchy expressed in the rules of interaction”. The ritual system overlaps the political and economic system.
- According to interactional approach the relationship between castes does not comprise rituals alone –there is a power dimension because there exists a dominant caste to which other castes are subordinate. Rank and caste identity are expressed by a lower caste attempting to emulate a caste which is higher in rank. Thus the interaction pattern becomes indicative of ritual status the rank order hierarchy.
- Scholars using the attributional approach stress the attributes of a caste. However each of them lays emphasis on one or other of these attributes and how they affect interaction. In the case of Srinivas he chooses to study the structure of relations arising between castes on the basis of these attributes. Thus he introduces a dynamic aspect of caste identity very forcefully. This aspect becomes clearer in Srinivas’s work on positional mobility known as ‘Sanskritization’
- Attributes can explain caste with reference to the relationship between castes. For example Hutton held that the central feature of the caste system was endogamy which is centred on the relationship restrictions of caste .Around this fact are built up the various restrictions and taboos According to Dumont‘s interactional approach the local context has a role in caste ranking and identity, but this is a response to the ideology of hierarchy which extends over the entire caste system. Thus according to interactional approach caste is a set of relationship of economic, political and kinship systems, sustained by mainly religious values.
- The attributional approach aims to preserve caste identity through the maintenance of attributes like caste pollution and endogamy, whereas the interactional approach highlights consensus within local contexts and the overlap of economic, political, and ritual hierarchies in shaping caste ranking.
Conclusion:
The attributional approach centers on inherent caste attributes and the preservation of caste identity, whereas the interactional approach examines caste interactions in specific contexts, highlighting the significance of rituals, religious values, and consensus in shaping caste hierarchy. Both approaches aim to elucidate the intricate nature of the caste system in Indian society, recognizing its diversity, and collectively contribute to broadening our understanding of this age-old social reality.
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META TAGS:
Caste system, Attributional approach, Interactional approach, Caste system in India, Ghurye, Srinivas, Bailey, Dumont, Caste hierarchy, Rituals, Religious values, Indian society, Social stratification, Caste identity,
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