Caste-based stratification is:

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Correct option is C

Ascribed

Caste-based stratification is an ascribed system of social stratification. This means that individuals are born into a particular caste, and their social status is determined by this birth rather than by personal achievements or choices. In this system, individuals have limited social mobility, as their caste is fixed and cannot be easily changed during their lifetime.

• Ascribed status refers to social positions that individuals are born into, such as caste, gender, or ethnicity. In the case of the caste system, one's caste is determined by family lineage and is typically non-negotiable.

• Achieved status refers to a social position that individuals attain through their actions, efforts, or achievements, which is not the case with caste-based stratification.

• Open stratification systems, on the other hand, allow for more social mobility, where people can move up or down the social hierarchy based on their skills, education, and achievements. Caste-based stratification, however, is a closed system with limited mobility.

Information Booster:

1. The caste system in India is one of the most prominent examples of ascribed stratification, where an individual's position in society is determined by their caste at birth.

2. People born into the higher castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas) are often afforded privileges, while those born into the lower castes (Dalits, Shudras) face social and economic disadvantages.

3. Social mobility in caste-based stratification is highly restricted, as one’s caste status is typically permanent and passed down through generations.

4. The concept of ascribed status is central to understanding caste-based discrimination and segregation, where caste identity plays a critical role in determining an individual’s access to resources, education, and opportunities.

5. Caste-based stratification has been a significant aspect of social inequality in India, although modern efforts and legal reforms aim to reduce its impact and promote social justice.

6. In open stratification systems, such as in many Western societies, people are allowed to pursue different opportunities based on personal merit and achievements.

Additional Information:

• Open stratification refers to a system where individuals can move between social classes based on their achievements or qualifications, unlike caste-based systems.

• Achieved status is more common in modern societies where people can climb the social ladder through education, hard work, or talent.

• Ascribed status is seen in traditional societies where a person’s social status is determined by factors outside their control, such as caste, family heritage, or social origin.