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Class vs. Caste
Class and caste are two different systems of social stratification that have been prevalent in societies around the world. While both involve grouping individuals based on certain criteria, there are key differences between the two concepts.

Class
Class is a system of social stratification based on economic factors such as wealth, income, and occupation. In a class system, individuals have the ability to move up or down the social ladder based on their achievements and opportunities. Class is more fluid and allows for social mobility.
- Class is primarily based on economic factors
- Individuals can move up or down in class based on their achievements and opportunities
- Class is more fluid and allows for social mobility

Caste
Caste, on the other hand, is a system of social stratification based on birth and hereditary factors. In a caste system, individuals are born into a specific social group and their social status is determined by their caste. Caste is rigid and does not allow for social mobility.
- Caste is based on birth and hereditary factors
- Social status is determined by one's caste
- Caste is rigid and does not allow for social mobility

Key Differences
- Class is based on economic factors, while caste is based on birth and hereditary factors
- Class allows for social mobility, while caste is rigid and does not allow for movement between castes
- Class is more prevalent in modern societies, while caste is more common in traditional and hierarchical societies
In conclusion, while both class and caste are systems of social stratification, they differ in their basis, flexibility, and implications for social mobility. Understanding these differences is crucial for analyzing the social structure and dynamics of different societies.