Gendering Caste through a Feminist Lens
The recurring themes present in the discourse of caste, gender and class are those of purity and subordination. The author, while talking about caste stratification reflects on the fact that universally the conception of caste is that there is a class of pure individuals and a class of impure individuals- both groups con sensually maintaining their place in society; performing their respective tasks in the process of production. However, as Ambedkar puts it, caste is not a division of labor but a division of laborers. The caste system is such that by means of coercion and violence, the upper classes maintain their hegemony and if any member of the lower classes try to break out of the system, they are treated with brutality. Furthermore, the upper classes have control over knowledge and this very control gives them an upper hand in society.
Intersectionality as a concept comes in while discussing gender and caste; as dalit women suffer a great deal due to their gender as well as their caste. Women, even those belonging to the upper classes are excluded from all decisions and are treated as "gateways" and means of forming alliances and maintaining social status. Brahmanical patriarchy functions in a way wherein the upper caste men have a control over women's sexuality and also her means of reproduction. Endogamy, or marriage only in a particular caste group further perpetuates caste stratification and patriarchy.
The recurring themes present in the discourse of caste, gender and class are those of purity and subordination. The author, while talking about caste stratification reflects on the fact that universally the conception of caste is that there is a class of pure individuals and a class of impure individuals- both groups con sensually maintaining their place in society; performing their respective tasks in the process of production. However, as Ambedkar puts it, caste is not a division of labor but a division of laborers. The caste system is such that by means of coercion and violence, the upper classes maintain their hegemony and if any member of the lower classes try to break out of the system, they are treated with brutality. Furthermore, the upper classes have control over knowledge and this very control gives them an upper hand in society.
Intersectionality as a concept comes in while discussing gender and caste; as dalit women suffer a great deal due to their gender as well as their caste. Women, even those belonging to the upper classes are excluded from all decisions and are treated as "gateways" and means of forming alliances and maintaining social status. Brahmanical patriarchy functions in a way wherein the upper caste men have a control over women's sexuality and also her means of reproduction. Endogamy, or marriage only in a particular caste group further perpetuates caste stratification and patriarchy.
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