What characterizes a 'caste' system?

A caste system is characterized by social stratification that is rigid and hierarchical, where individuals are born into specific social groups that dictate their social status and roles throughout their lives. The term "fixed at birth" emphasizes that one's caste is assigned at the time of birth and typically does not change regardless of individual achievements or efforts. This inherent rigidity means that movement between castes—referred to as social mobility—is generally limited or nonexistent, reinforcing the idea of a structured societal order.

Endogamy, or the practice of marrying within one's own caste, further solidifies the boundaries between castes, maintaining the distinctiveness and separation of social groups. This system is deeply rooted in cultural and often religious traditions, which perpetuate the norms and expectations associated with each caste.

In contrast, flexibility in social mobility, changeability throughout one's life, and associations based on wealth accumulation are characteristic of more fluid social systems, where individuals can often move up or down the socio-economic ladder based on their circumstances, efforts, or achievements. Thus, the defining traits of a caste system are its rigidity and endogamous practices.