Uma Chakraborty in Gendering Caste Through a Feminist Lens talks about the unfair practice of the Indian caste system. She starts
with showing how some Brahmanical texts such as Manu Smriti showcase the hierarchical
order of this system and what punishment befalls those who try to fight this
system. She also links class with caste. Those born in higher castes use their privilege
to gain financial benefit and status, while those born in lower castes don’t
get to enjoy basic resources in the same manner and hence are exploited. This is
one way by which the hierarchy of the castes is reinforced, the class divide
makes sure that people of different castes don’t come on the same level. In the
second chapter she takes an intersectional approach to show subordination occurs
not only on the basis of caste but also gender. The rigidity of the caste system
prohibits inter caste marriages hence changing of the caste becomes impossible.
Through marriages endogamous to caste the hierarchy of the caste system is
reinforced again.
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