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Nicole Bernstein

Ms. Wilson

Honors Cultural Studies Period 9

March 11, 2010

Big Idea Questions

How have urbanization and modernization changed the caste system?

The caste system is rooted deeply in tradition. However, urbanization has caused

the system to weaken. When Indians moved to the cities their family history was not

always known, allowing for lower-caste Indians to move up in society. Lower –castes

became better educated and were able to receive higher paying jobs. Former

untouchables and Indians receiving a western education began to reject this system of

social oppression. Pressure from western nations also influenced India’s government to

begin small reforms on the caste system. Despite the failure of laws to achieve social

equality, people in cities mix more freely between castes.

What are the differences between life in a city and life in a village? What causes

these differences?

One of the main differences between city life and rural life is the prominence of

the caste system. Urbanization caused people in the city to mix more freely among

different castes. However, rural villages are still separated by the system. In many places

lower-caste Indians are forced to live in separate neighborhoods and are not allowed to

frequent higher-class locations. The treatment of boys and girls is also different in the

city than in the village. In the village, Boys are given better quality food and are cared for

more than girls. They also receive a better education. In the city, boys and girls are
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treated equally in most instances. One of the causes of these differences is exposure to

western values. In cities, equality is taught, while in rural villages there are very few

western educated people.

How will the growth of organic farming in other countries affect Indian organic

farmers?

Organic farming is considered the norm in India. If countries like the United

States begin to farm more organic crops, they will take over the organic food market. If

this happens, small farms in India will no longer be able to sell their crops. The main

reason that these organic farms are able to survive is the fact that there is not a lot of

competition in the area. IF other countries begin to organic farm, India’s economy will be

hurt, and many small farms will not be able to survive.