HIMACHAL PRADESH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SHIMLA

SOCIOLOGY-II

INTERSECTIONALITY BETWEEN CASTE AND RACE

SUBMITTED BY SUBMITTED TO

SHUBHAM VERMA DR. HONEY KUMAR

BALLB B ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY
1020230119 SEMESTER-II HPNLU,
SHIMLA
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

It is not possible to create a project report without the assistance and comfort of others. This
is emphatically not an exception. I'm taking advantage of this opportunity to thank everyone
who helped me throughout this project. Throughout my assignment, I am grateful for their
aspiring guidance, valuable feedback, and friendly advice. I am grateful to them for giving
their candid and informative perspectives on many issues related to the enterprise. I would
also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Honey Kumar, Assistant Professor of
Sociology, for providing me with the brilliant opportunity to complete this incredible project,
which also assisted me in achieving a great deal of exploration and thinking about a large
number of new things.

DECLARATION
I, Shubham, student of BA LLB B enrollment number 1020230119, declare that
—- I understand plagiarism and am aware of the HPNLU’S Policy in this regard.
I say that the work at this moment submitted is my original work. Where other people’s
work has been used (either from a printed source, the Internet, or any other source), this
has been properly acknowledged and referenced by the HPNLU’s requirements.
I have not used work previously produced by another student or any other person to hand in
as my own.
Also, this work has not been used or submitted to any person or institution.

Shubham Verma
BA LLB B
1020230119
SEMESTER-II

CONTENT
 1. Introduction

2. Intersectionality

3. Origin and Evolution

4. The Indian Diaspora: A Complex Intersection of Caste and Race

5. Examples of intersectionality within the context of caste and race

6. Societal Implications and Challenges

7. Conclusion

8. References

Introduction
Caste and race are two powerful social systems that categorize and hierarchize individuals
and groups. However, they differ in their historical development, underlying principles, and
degree of fluidity.

 Caste: Caste is a rigid social hierarchy prevalent in South Asia, particularly associated
with Hinduism. It is determined by birth and dictates occupation, social status,
and religious practices. Castes are endogamous, meaning marriage typically occurs
within the same caste. The concept of purity and pollution plays a significant role,
with upper castes considered "pure" and lower castes deemed "impure." While some
argue caste is based on occupation, this doesn't explain the rigid social hierarchy and
religious sanctions attached to it.
 Race: Race is a social construct used to categorize people based on perceived physical
characteristics like skin color, hair texture, and facial features. Unlike caste, race
has no clear biological basis. Racism, the belief in the superiority of one race over
another, fuels discrimination and oppression. The concept of race emerged during
colonialism to justify European dominance over colonized populations.
Historical and Social Construction:
 Caste: The origins of the caste system in South Asia are complex and debated. Some
believe it emerged from the Aryan invasion theory, while others point to a gradual
social stratification process. Religious texts like the Manusmriti codified the caste
system, defining occupations and social interactions between castes.
 Race: The concept of race emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries during European
colonialism. It was used to justify the enslavement and exploitation of people from
Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Racial categories were constantly reconfigured to
maintain dominance and exclude groups.
Points of Intersection:

Despite their differences, caste and race intersect in several ways. Colonialism imposed
racial hierarchies on existing caste systems, sometimes creating new caste-like divisions
within racial categories.

For example, light-skinned Indians might have enjoyed some privileges compared to darker-
skinned ones under British rule. Additionally, caste systems can exist within racial
categories, as seen in some diaspora communities. Understanding caste-race intersectionality
is crucial for dismantling systems of oppression that exploit and marginalize based on birth
and perceived physical characteristics.

Intersectionality
Intersectionality is a term that was first introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. It
refers to the complex interplay between different social categorizations, such as race, class,
gender, sexuality, and ability.1 These different categories can overlap and interact in ways that
create systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

In sociology, the concept of intersectionality is important because it recognizes that social

identities are not experienced in isolation. Rather, individuals experience a web of
intersecting identities that shape their experiences and opportunities in society. For example,
a Black woman may face discrimination differently than a Black man or a white woman due
to the intersection of race and gender.

Examining the intersectionality between caste and race is particularly relevant because these
are distinct but interconnected systems of oppression. In countries like India, where caste
hierarchy has historically structured social relations, and in countries like the United States,
where race has been central to systems of power and privilege, understanding how these
intersect is crucial. This intersection sheds light on the compounded discrimination faced
by individuals who belong to marginalized groups at the intersection of caste and race.

Intersectionality Theory

Key Theorists
 Kimberlé Crenshaw: The concept of intersectionality was first articulated by
Kimberlé Crenshaw, a legal scholar and critical race theorist, in her groundbreaking
1989 paper, "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex." She used the
metaphor of a traffic intersection to illustrate how multiple forms of discrimination
can converge and create unique experiences for individuals at the crossroads of
different social identities. Crenshaw highlighted how existing legal frameworks often
fail to address the complex discrimination faced by Black women, as they are
simultaneously subjected to both racism and sexism.
 Other Scholars:
o Patricia Hill Collins: A sociologist who expanded intersectionality theory to
examine the interlocking systems of power based on race, class, and gender.

1
Intersectionality: A Foundations and Frontiers Reader" edited by Patrick R. Grzanka, page 76
 She emphasized the importance of understanding how these systems shape
individual experiences and social structures.
o bell hooks: A feminist scholar who explored the intersectionality of race,
gender, and class in her analysis of Black women's lives. She emphasized the
importance of centering the voices and experiences of marginalized women.
o Audre Lorde: A Black lesbian poet and writer who emphasized the
importance of recognizing the diversity within marginalized communities. She
argued against the erasure of differences and emphasized the power of
collective action.

Framework
Intersectionality theory provides a framework for understanding how multiple social
identities (e.g., race, caste, gender, class, sexuality, disability) intersect and shape individual
experiences. It challenges the idea that these identities can be separated and analyzed in
isolation, arguing instead that they are interconnected and mutually constitutive.
Here's how intersectionality theory helps us understand the complex experiences of
individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups:

1. Recognizing Multiple Axes of Oppression: Intersectionality acknowledges that

individuals can face discrimination and disadvantage based on multiple aspects of
their identity. For example, a Dalit woman experiences both caste-based
discrimination and sexism, while a Black Dalit faces the combined effects of anti-
Black racism and casteism.
2. Challenging Single-Axis Frameworks: Traditional approaches to social justice often
focus on a single axis of oppression (e.g., gender or race). Intersectionality challenges
this approach by showing how different forms of discrimination can interact and
create unique forms of marginalization.
3. Centering Marginalized Voices: Intersectionality theory emphasizes the importance
of listening to and centering the voices of those who experience multiple forms of
oppression. It recognizes that individuals from marginalized groups are the experts on
their own experiences and have valuable insights to offer.
 4. Promoting Intersectional Solutions: By understanding the complexity of
interlocking oppressions, intersectionality theory can help us develop more effective
and inclusive solutions to social injustice. It encourages us to consider how policies
and interventions can address the multiple dimensions of discrimination that
individuals face.
Examples
 Dalit Women: Intersectionality theory helps us understand how Dalit women face
unique challenges due to the intersection of caste and gender. They may experience
sexual violence, economic exploitation, and social exclusion based on both their caste
and gender.
 Black Dalits: Intersectionality helps us understand how Black Dalits face the
compounded effects of anti-Black racism and casteism. This can lead to heightened
vulnerability and marginalization in various spheres of life.

By recognizing the complex and interconnected nature of social identities, intersectionality

theory provides a powerful tool for understanding and addressing the multiple forms of
discrimination that individuals face.

Origins and Evolution

Caste systems have existed for centuries in various societies, but one of the most well-known
examples is the caste system in India. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Hindu
scriptures, such as the Rigveda, which categorized society into four varnas or social classes:
Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and
traders), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). Over time, this system became more
rigid and stratified, with the addition of jatis or sub-castes based on occupation and birth.

The caste system in India evolved into a complex social hierarchy, with Brahmins at the top
and Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables) at the bottom, facing severe social and
economic discrimination. Despite legal abolition in modern India, caste-based discrimination
continues to persist in various forms.

Origins and Evolution of Race:

The concept of race has a complex and contested history, with roots in European
colonialism, scientific racism, and slavery. During the age of exploration and colonization,
European powers used racial categorizations to justify the subjugation and exploitation of
indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans. Scientific theories of race emerged, purporting to
justify white superiority and non-white inferiority based on physical characteristics.

The transatlantic slave trade played a central role in shaping racial dynamics, as Africans
were forcibly enslaved and transported to the Americas, where racial hierarchies were
institutionalized. The legacy of slavery, segregation, and racial discrimination continues to
influence social relations and structures in countries like the United States.

Caste and race are both social systems that categorize and rank people, affecting their
opportunities and privileges. They've been enforced through historical events and policies,
like British colonialism in India and Jim Crow laws in the US. While caste is more associated
with India and tied to cultural beliefs, race is global and based on physical traits. Caste tends
to be rigid and inherited, while race can change due to factors like migration. Theories like
structural functionalism see them as maintaining social order, while conflict theory views
them as tools of domination and exploitation. Intersectionality theory shows how they
intersect with other identities to shape experiences of oppression and privilege.
The Indian Diaspora: A Complex Intersection of Caste and Race
The Indian diaspora, a global community of millions with roots in South Asia, presents a
compelling case study of how caste and race intersect. While geographically dispersed,
Indian diaspora communities grapple with the enduring legacies of caste and the racial
realities of their adopted homelands.

Caste and Colonial Hangovers:

Colonialism in India played a significant role in shaping the Indian diaspora. The British
imposed racial hierarchies on existing caste structures, sometimes creating new caste-like
divisions within racial categories. For instance, upper-caste Indians, particularly those who
collaborated with the colonial administration, might have enjoyed some privileges compared
to lower-caste Indians2. This created a complex interplay between caste and race, where
"whiteness" became associated with a higher social position, even among Indians.

The racial landscape of diaspora destinations further complicates the picture. In

predominantly white countries like the US or UK, many Indians, regardless of caste, may be
seen as part of a racialized "brown" category. This experience of racialization can create a
sense of solidarity across caste lines, particularly in the face of overt racism. However, caste
distinctions often resurface within these communities, impacting social interactions, religious
practices, and even marriage prospects.

The intersection of caste and race has a differential impact on various groups within the
diaspora.

Upper-Caste Advantages: Upper-caste Indians may benefit from their perceived proximity
to whiteness and often enjoy better educational and economic opportunities in their adopted
societies. This advantage, however (often referred to as "model minority myth"), can obscure
the ongoing struggles of lower-caste Indians within the diaspora .

2
Gyan Prakash, "After Colonialism: Historical Studies in Post-Colonial Context" (Princeton University Press,
2003)
Lower-Caste Marginalization: Lower-caste individuals face the combined burden of caste
discrimination and racial prejudice. They may struggle to find decent employment due to
both caste bias within Indian communities and racial stereotypes in the broader society.
Additionally, Dalits (formerly "untouchables") continue to face social exclusion and
discrimination in some diaspora communities, highlighting the persistence of caste
hierarchies even outside India .

Women and Caste-Race Intersection: Caste and race intersect further when considering
gender. Dalit women, for example, may experience a heightened vulnerability due to the
combined effects of caste, race, and gender discrimination. They may face challenges finding
safe housing, securing employment, and accessing education .
Challenging the Intersection:

Several initiatives are emerging to challenge caste and race intersectionality within the
diaspora.

Dalit Activism: Dalit organizations are raising awareness about caste discrimination within
the diaspora and advocating for its inclusion in anti-discrimination policies3.
Caste Awareness Campaigns: Community-based initiatives are educating younger generations
about caste and promoting inter-caste dialogue.
Building Solidarity: Some diaspora groups are fostering alliances with other racialized
communities to challenge racism and discrimination based on origin.
Conclusion:

The Indian diaspora exemplifies the complex ways caste and race intersect. Understanding
this intersectionality is crucial for dismantling systems of oppression within these
communities and advocating for inclusive social justice movements. By acknowledging the
diverse experiences of individuals based on caste, race, class, and gender, diaspora
communities can work towards creating a more equitable future.

Examples of intersectionality within the context of caste and race

3
The National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights - NCDHR (http://www.ncdhr.org.in/)
1. Dalit Diaspora:
 Persistence of Caste: Caste discrimination doesn't simply vanish when individuals
migrate. It can manifest in diaspora communities through social exclusion, endogamy
(marrying within caste), and microaggressions related to notions of purity and
pollution.

 Intersection with Racism: In Western countries, Dalits often face racial

discrimination based on their skin color and perceived ethnicity. This can compound
with caste-based biases, leading to double discrimination in housing, employment,
and social interactions.

 Examples:
o Workplace: A Dalit engineer in Silicon Valley might experience subtle biases
from colleagues who are unaware of caste but hold stereotypes about Indian
immigrants.

o Social Circles: A Dalit student in the UK might feel excluded from certain
Indian social groups due to their caste background, even as they navigate
racism from broader society.

2. Black Dalits:
 Unique Challenges: Individuals who are both Black and Dalit face a distinct form of
marginalization. They experience both anti-Black racism and caste-based
discrimination, which can create a complex identity and heightened vulnerability.

 Compounding Effects: The intersection of these identities can lead to:

o Economic Hardship: Limited access to education and job opportunities due
to both caste and race bias.
o Social Isolation: Difficulty finding acceptance and belonging within either
Dalit or Black communities.
o Increased Vulnerability: Higher risk of experiencing hate crimes and
violence.
  Examples:
o Siddis in India: The Siddi community, descended from African slaves, faces
both caste-based discrimination from the broader Indian society and racism
from within the Dalit community itself.

3. Reservation Policies:
 Limited Scope: India's reservation policies (affirmative action) primarily focus on
caste-based discrimination. While important, they often don't explicitly address the
intersectional experiences of individuals who face both caste and race-based
discrimination.
 Exclusion: This can lead to exclusion or inadequate support for groups like Black
Dalits, who might not fit neatly into existing reservation categories.
 Need for Intersectional Approach: Advocates argue for a more nuanced approach
that recognizes the multiple dimensions of discrimination and tailors policies
accordingly. This could involve creating separate categories for intersectional groups
or providing additional support to those who fall outside the traditional caste-based
framework.

Key Point: Understanding the intersectionality of caste and race is crucial for developing
policies and interventions that effectively address the complex challenges faced by
marginalized communities. It's about acknowledging that discrimination is not always
singular but can operate on multiple, interconnected levels.

Caste and Race-Based Discrimination

Caste and race-based discrimination are two distinct yet interconnected systems that shape
individuals' experiences and opportunities in society. While caste is primarily associated with
India and South Asia, race is a global phenomenon with variations across different regions.
Despite their differences, both caste and race share similarities in perpetuating social
hierarchies and systemic inequality.

Manifestations of Discrimination:

Caste-based discrimination in India manifests in various forms, including social exclusion,

economic marginalization, and violence against lower caste groups (Dalits).
Discrimination based on caste affects access to education, employment, healthcare, and
political representation. Dalits often face segregation in housing and public spaces,
restrictions on inter-caste marriages, and violence perpetuated by dominant caste groups.

Similarly, race-based discrimination in countries like the United States and South Africa is
evident in systemic inequalities across various domains. African Americans in the United
States experience racial profiling, police brutality, unequal access to quality education and
healthcare, housing segregation, and disparities in employment and income. In South Africa,
the legacy of apartheid continues to impact the lives of Black South Africans through racial
segregation, economic inequality, and land dispossession.

Intersectionality in Different Social Contexts:

In India, the intersection of caste and race intersects with other social categories such as
gender, religion, and class. For example, Dalit women face multiple layers of discrimination
due to their intersecting identities as lower caste and female. They are disproportionately
affected by gender-based violence, lack access to education and healthcare, and experience
economic exploitation in both public and private spheres.

In the United States, the intersectionality of race and caste is evident in the experiences of
African American communities, particularly those living in urban areas with high poverty
rates and limited access to resources. African Americans face intersecting forms of
discrimination based on race, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood segregation. Similarly,
in South Africa, Black South Africans who belong to lower socioeconomic classes experience
intersecting forms of discrimination based on race and class, perpetuated by historical
inequalities and systemic racism.

Power Structures and Privilege:

Caste and race systems are characterized by power structures that privilege dominant groups
and marginalize subordinate ones. In India, the caste system is reinforced by Brahminical
hegemony, where Brahmins and upper caste groups hold social, economic, and political
power. The dominance of upper castes is maintained through mechanisms such as religious
ideology, cultural practices, and institutionalized discrimination.

In the United States, white supremacy perpetuates racial hierarchies, privileging white
individuals and communities while systematically disadvantaging people of color,
particularly African Americans and Indigenous peoples. White privilege is evident in various
aspects of life, including access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare.
Structural racism perpetuates these inequalities through policies and practices that uphold
white dominance and reinforce racial stereotypes and biases.

In South Africa, the legacy of apartheid continues to shape power dynamics, with white
minority groups retaining economic and political control despite formal legal changes.
Economic disparities persist along racial lines, with Black South Africans facing limited
opportunities for socioeconomic advancement and representation in positions of power.

- India: The practice of manual scavenging, where individuals from lower caste groups are
forced to clean human waste manually, is a stark example of caste-based discrimination and
exploitation. Despite being officially abolished, manual scavenging persists due to social
stigma and lack of alternative livelihood opportunities .

- United States: The racial wealth gap illustrates the systemic disparities between white and
Black Americans, with white households having significantly higher median wealth than
Black households. This gap is perpetuated by historical factors such as slavery, segregation,
and discriminatory policies like redlining, which limited Black Americans' access to
homeownership and wealth accumulation .

- South Africa: Land redistribution remains a contentious issue in post-apartheid South

Africa, with the majority of arable land still owned by white farmers. The slow progress in
land reform exacerbates racial tensions and economic inequalities, highlighting the ongoing
legacy of apartheid and the unequal distribution of power and resources.

Societal Implications and Challenges

Ignoring the intersectionality between caste and race has significant societal implications,
perpetuating systemic inequalities and marginalizing individuals who belong to intersecting
marginalized groups. This neglect not only fails to address the unique challenges faced by
these individuals but also undermines efforts towards achieving social justice and equality.

Societal Implications:

- Reinforcement of Inequality: Ignoring the intersectionality between caste and race

reinforces existing systems of inequality and discrimination. By overlooking the intersecting
identities of individuals, society fails to recognize the compounded forms of oppression and
privilege they experience. This perpetuates social hierarchies and denies marginalized groups
equal opportunities and access to resources.

- Exclusion and Marginalization: Individuals who belong to intersecting marginalized

groups, such as Dalits in India or African American Dalits in the United States, often face
exclusion and marginalization in various spheres of life. Their experiences are overlooked or
invalidated, leading to social invisibility and erasure of their identities and struggles.

- Limited Policy Interventions: Ignoring intersectionality hinders the development and

implementation of effective policies and interventions to address caste and race-based
discrimination. Policies that fail to account for the intersectional nature of oppression may
inadvertently perpetuate inequalities or overlook the needs of specific marginalized groups.

Challenges Faced by Individuals:

- Double Discrimination: Individuals at the intersection of caste and race face double or triple
layers of discrimination based on their intersecting identities. For example, Dalits who are
also members of marginalized racial or ethnic groups may experience discrimination from
both dominant caste communities and racially privileged groups.

- Social Stigma and Stereotypes: Intersectional individuals often encounter social stigma and
stereotypes that further marginalize and dehumanize them. For instance, Dalits in India may
face stereotypes associating them with poverty, backwardness, and inferiority, compounded
by racial stereotypes if they belong to minority racial or ethnic groups.
- Limited Access to Resources: Intersectional individuals often have limited access to
resources and opportunities due to systemic barriers and structural inequalities. This includes
disparities in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and political representation,
perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Potential Strategies for Addressing Intersectional Discrimination:

- Intersectional Approaches: Adopting intersectional approaches in policymaking, advocacy,

and social activism is crucial for addressing caste and race-based discrimination. This
involves recognizing the interconnected nature of social identities and considering the unique
experiences and needs of individuals at the intersections of caste, race, gender, class,
sexuality, and other axes of identity.

- Community Empowerment: Empowering marginalized communities through grassroots

organizing, community-based initiatives, and leadership development programs can help
amplify their voices, build solidarity, and challenge systemic injustices. This includes
creating safe spaces for dialogue, collective action, and mutual support.

- Education and Awareness: Promoting education and awareness about intersectionality and
its implications is essential for combating stereotypes, biases, and prejudices. This includes
incorporating intersectional perspectives into school curricula, training programs, and public
awareness campaigns to foster empathy, understanding, and allyship.

- Policy Reform: Advocating for policy reforms that address the root causes of caste and race-
based discrimination, such as socioeconomic inequalities, institutionalized racism, and caste-
based discrimination, is essential. This includes implementing affirmative action programs,
anti-discrimination laws, and social welfare policies that prioritize marginalized communities'
rights and well-being.

- Alliance Building: Building alliances and coalitions across diverse social movements,
including anti-caste, anti-racist, feminist, LGBTQ+ rights, and indigenous rights movements,
can strengthen collective efforts towards intersectional justice and liberation. Solidarity
across different marginalized groups can amplify their voices and mobilize broader support
for social change.

In conclusion, ignoring the intersectionality between caste and race perpetuates systemic
inequalities, marginalizes intersecting marginalized groups, and hinders efforts towards
achieving social justice and equality. Addressing intersectional discrimination requires
adopting intersectional approaches, empowering marginalized communities, promoting
education and awareness, advocating for policy reform, and building alliances across diverse
social movements. By recognizing and addressing the intersecting forms of oppression and
privilege, society can work towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just world for
all.

Conclusion
The exploration of intersectionality between caste and race illuminates the complex interplay
of social identities, power dynamics, and systemic inequalities that shape individuals'
experiences and opportunities in society. Through this assignment, we have examined the
historical origins, manifestations of discrimination, intersections in different social contexts,
and implications for marginalized groups at the intersections of caste and race.

It is evident that caste and race are not isolated systems of oppression but intersect with other
axes of identity, such as gender, class, and religion, to produce unique forms of discrimination
and privilege. Individuals at the intersection of caste and race face compounded challenges,
including double or triple layers of discrimination, social exclusion, and limited access to
resources.

Recognizing intersectionality is essential for understanding and addressing social inequalities

effectively. By adopting intersectional approaches, policymakers, activists, and scholars can
develop more inclusive and equitable strategies for social change. This requires
acknowledging the interconnected nature of social identities and systems of oppression,
challenging one-dimensional narratives, and amplifying the voices of marginalized
communities.

Moving forward, further research on the intersectionality between caste and race is
warranted. Comparative studies across different societies, interdisciplinary approaches, and
investigations into intersecting identities can deepen our understanding of intersectional
discrimination and inform evidence-based interventions and policy reforms. By prioritizing
intersectional analyses and research, we can contribute to advancing knowledge, promoting
social justice, and creating more inclusive and equitable societies for all individuals.

Ultimately, recognizing and addressing intersectionality is not only a matter of academic

inquiry but a moral imperative. It is through a nuanced understanding of intersecting
identities and experiences that we can strive towards a world where caste, race, and all forms
of discrimination no longer dictate individuals' life chances and opportunities. In embracing
intersectionality, we affirm our commitment to dignity, equality, and justice for all.
References

1. The National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights – NCDH R

(http://www.ncdhr.org.in/)
2. Gyan Prakash, "After Colonialism: Historical Studies in Post-Colonial
Context"