Question

Which one of the following is not established by legal or religious provisions and is an open and fluid system?

• A. Estate
• B. Caste
• C. Class
• D. Taboo

Hint:

To distinguish between stratification systems:
- Caste = Stratification by birth (closed, religiously sanctioned).
- Estate = Stratification by law and land ownership (closed, legally sanctioned).
- Class = Stratification by wealth, education, and effort (open, socially fluid).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Social stratification refers to how a society categorizes its people into rankings of socioeconomic tiers.
These systems can be closed (allowing little to no change in social position) or open (permitting mobility and change).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the choices:
- (A) Estate System: This was a closed, rigid system of stratification characteristic of feudal Europe.
It was legally and politically defined, dividing society into distinct legal estates (Clergy, Nobility, and Commoners) with fixed rights and duties.
- (B) Caste System: This is a highly closed stratification system where a person's social status is determined at birth.
In India, it is traditionally supported by religious sanctions, ritual purity concepts, and endogamy. It offers almost no upward social mobility.
- (C) Class System: Unlike estate and caste, a social class system is based primarily on economic criteria (wealth, income, education, and occupation).
It is not defined or enforced by legal or religious decrees.
Because it allows individuals to move up or down based on personal achievement, it is considered an open and fluid system.
- (D) Taboo: A taboo is a strong social prohibition or ban relating to human activity declared sacred or forbidden by custom or religion. It is not a stratification system.
Thus, "Class" is the correct answer.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C).