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caste system

Definition of Caste System

(noun) A stratified system based on a status conferred at birth (ascribed status) due to an individual’s descent in which individuals do not have mobility due to custom or law.

Example of Caste System

Caste System Pronunciation

Pronunciation Usage Guide

Syllabification: caste sys·tem

Audio Pronunciation

– American English
– British English

Phonetic Spelling

  • American English – /kAst sIs-tuhm/
  • British English – /kAHst sIs-tim/

International Phonetic Alphabet

  • American English – /kæst ˈsɪstəm/
  • British English – /kɑːst ˈsɪstɪm/

Usage Notes

  • Plural: caste systems
  • Also called caste society.

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Additional Information

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Reference

Ferrante, Joan. 2011. Sociology: A Global Perspective. 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Works Consulted

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Cite the Definition of Caste System

ASA – American Sociological Association (5th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2017. “caste system.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved March 29, 2024 (https://sociologydictionary.org/caste-system/).

APA – American Psychological Association (6th edition)

caste system. (2017). In K. Bell (Ed.), Open education sociology dictionary. Retrieved from https://sociologydictionary.org/caste-system/

Chicago/Turabian: Author-Date – Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2017. “caste-system.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://sociologydictionary.org/caste-system/.

MLA – Modern Language Association (7th edition)

“caste system.” Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Ed. Kenton Bell. 2017. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://sociologydictionary.org/caste-system/>.