a caste system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a caste system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a social stratification system where individuals are assigned to social groups based on factors such as birth, occupation, or social status. Example: "In some societies, a caste system can limit individuals' opportunities for social mobility and personal advancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Still, most of the top employers cast aside any form of a caste system.

Science Magazine

That's a caste system.

The New Yorker

It's like a caste system.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a caste system," Mr. Beattie said.

The New York Times

There is a caste system for flourishes and ruffles.

The New Yorker

The one thing curling lacks is a caste system.

The New York Times - Sports

"There was a sort of a caste system," she recalled.

The New York Times

"It's a caste system, like golf," she went on.

The New Yorker

Celebrity has a caste system – sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's dark and nasty.

The Guardian - Opinion

The people continue to follow a caste system that is theoretically forbidden.

The New York Times

"If nothing changes, we will have a caste system," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a caste system", ensure you clearly define the criteria that determine social position within that system. This adds clarity and avoids generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "a caste system" interchangeably with "class system". While both involve social hierarchy, a caste system implies a more rigid and often hereditary structure with limited social mobility, whereas a class system typically allows for greater movement between social strata.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a caste system" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a specific type of social stratification. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science & Research

3%

Huffington Post

8%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a caste system" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase to denote a rigid social hierarchy, appearing most often in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. While it's important to avoid confusing it with broader concepts like "class system", understanding its specific connotations allows for accurate and nuanced discussions of social structures. Ludwig provides ample examples showcasing its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a social hierarchy

Refers to the arrangement of individuals into different ranked groups.

a rigid social hierarchy

Emphasizes the strictness and inflexibility of the social order.

a hierarchical social structure

Focuses on the arrangement of society into ranked levels.

a system of social stratification

Highlights the layering of society based on various factors.

a stratified society

Highlights the division of society into distinct layers.

a class-based society

Specifically refers to social divisions based on economic class.

a social order based on birth

Underscores the hereditary aspect of social standing.

an inequitable social arrangement

Focuses on the unfairness and imbalance of the social system.

a pecking order

An informal term for a hierarchy, often in a group setting.

a social pyramid

Visualizes society as a pyramid with different levels of status.

FAQs

How can I use "a caste system" in a sentence?

You can use "a caste system" to describe a rigid social hierarchy where individuals are assigned to specific social classes or groups, often based on birth or occupation. For example: "The novel explores the impact of "a caste system" on individual destinies."

What's the difference between "a caste system" and "a class system"?

While both terms refer to social stratification, "a caste system" typically implies a more rigid and hereditary structure with limited social mobility, while "a class system" allows for greater movement between social classes based on factors like wealth, education, and occupation.

Are there societies today that still operate under "a caste system"?

While formally outlawed in many places, remnants of "a caste system" can still be observed in certain regions or communities, particularly in South Asia. However, its influence is generally diminishing with modernization and social reforms.

What are some societal consequences of "a caste system"?

"A caste system" often leads to social inequality, limited opportunities for certain groups, discrimination, and restricted social mobility. It can also hinder economic development and perpetuate cycles of poverty and disadvantage.