Question

Which is the commonly cited defining feature of caste?

• A. Ascription
• B. Industry
• C. Gerontocracy
• D. Gender

Hint:

Caste is an ascriptive system because status is determined by birth.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
The caste system is based on hereditary social status assigned at birth.

Step 1:
Ascription means a social status assigned to a person by birth rather than achieved through effort.

Step 2:
In the caste system, membership is determined by birth and cannot easily be changed.

Step 3:
Because caste status is inherited, sociologists describe caste as an ascriptive system.

Step 4:

• Industry relates to economic activity.
• Gerontocracy means rule by elders.
• Gender is a social category but not the defining feature of caste.

Step 5:
Therefore, the correct answer is Ascription. \[ \boxed{\text{(1) Ascription}} \]