The Myth of Castelessness: How Privilege Perpetuates Discrimination

Based on Dilip Mandal article

In modern South Asian society, a growing number of upper-caste individuals proudly declare themselves "casteless," presenting this stance as progressive and enlightened. Yet this seemingly noble position often masks a deeper reality: the continued operation of caste privilege and discrimination in both traditional and emerging spaces.

Understanding Castelessness

The declaration of castelessness predominantly comes from those who have historically benefited from the caste system. This position, while appearing to reject caste identity, often serves a dual purpose: it allows privileged groups to distance themselves from historical inequities while continuing to benefit from established social networks and accumulated advantages.

Research by sociologist Satish Deshpande reveals how upper castes have masterfully transformed their inherited privileges into narratives of merit-based achievement. This transformation enables them to:

1. Present their success as purely individual accomplishment

2. Dismiss persistent inequalities as personal failure rather than systemic barriers

3. Resist efforts to address caste-based discrimination

The Lived Reality Gap

The experience of caste varies dramatically across social positions. As Joan P. Mencher documented in her groundbreaking 1974 study, while upper-caste individuals can afford to view caste as theoretical or historical, marginalized communities face its concrete manifestations daily. This disparity creates two parallel realities:

For privileged castes: Caste becomes an abstract concept, easily dismissed or relegated to the past

For marginalized groups: Caste remains a tangible barrier affecting education, employment, and social mobility

## Professional Spaces and Hidden Discrimination

Modern professional environments, despite their apparent meritocracy, often harbor subtle forms of caste discrimination. This manifests through:

- Informal social networks that channel opportunities to privileged groups

- Unconscious biases in hiring and promotion decisions

- Cultural capital that advantages those from upper-caste backgrounds

- Exclusionary practices in professional and social settings

The Global Context: Caste in the Diaspora

As South Asian communities establish themselves globally, particularly in the United States, caste networks and hierarchies have shown remarkable resilience. These transplanted social structures:

- Create informal but effective barriers to professional advancement

- Influence social relationships and community dynamics

- Perpetuate privilege through selective access to resources and opportunities

Moving Beyond Symbolic Gestures

The proclamation of castelessness, rather than representing genuine progress, often functions as a mechanism for preserving privilege while denying its structural foundations. This poses significant challenges for marginalized communities seeking recognition and redress of ongoing discrimination.

True progress requires:

- Acknowledging how historical advantages continue to shape present opportunities

- Recognizing that individual rejection of caste identity doesn't eliminate systemic discrimination

- Implementing concrete measures to address institutional barriers and promote genuine equality

 Conclusion

The myth of castelessness reveals a crucial paradox in modern South Asian society: those most eager to declare themselves "beyond caste" are often those who need not confront its limitations. Moving forward requires more than individual declarations of castelessness—it demands honest recognition of persistent inequalities and committed action to dismantle systemic barriers. Only through such collective acknowledgment and effort can we begin to build truly equitable institutions and communities.