Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Caste discrimination, deeply entrenched in Indian society, represents a persistent violation of human dignity and equality. Despite constitutional safeguards and affirmative action policies, the system’s continuity and inherent hierarchy remain significant challenges. This is not merely prejudice, but a structured system of social stratification impacting access to resources, opportunities, and social capital. Addressing this requires a robust principle of justice that goes beyond formal equality and tackles the root causes of systemic disadvantage. The question asks which principle of justice can most effectively dismantle this deeply ingrained system.
Understanding the Problem: Continuity and Hierarchy
Caste discrimination isn’t simply individual acts of prejudice; it’s a system characterized by two key features: continuity – its persistence across generations through social norms, endogamy, and economic dependence – and hierarchy – a rigid ranking of castes determining social status and access to power. This hierarchy isn’t static; it’s constantly reinforced through social practices and economic structures.
Principles of Justice and their Applicability
1. Rawlsian Justice as Fairness
John Rawls’ theory of ‘Justice as Fairness’ proposes two principles: equal basic liberties and the difference principle. The difference principle allows for social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged. Applying this to caste, it would necessitate policies that actively redress historical injustices and ensure the upliftment of marginalized castes. However, Rawls focuses on institutions, and caste operates significantly within social and cultural spheres, potentially limiting its direct impact.
2. Libertarian Justice (Nozick)
Robert Nozick’s libertarianism emphasizes individual rights and minimal state intervention. While it guarantees formal equality, it doesn’t address historical injustices or systemic disadvantages. A purely Nozickian approach would likely perpetuate existing inequalities as it doesn’t provide a framework for rectifying past wrongs or ensuring equal opportunity. It would view attempts to redistribute resources as violations of individual property rights.
3. Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach
Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach focuses on expanding people’s ‘capabilities’ – their real freedoms to achieve valuable functionings (what people are actually able to do and be). This is arguably the most effective principle for dissolving caste discrimination. It recognizes that formal equality isn’t enough; individuals need the actual ability to exercise their rights and pursue their goals.
- Addressing Deprivation: The capability approach directly addresses the deprivations caused by caste by focusing on improving health, education, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
- Recognizing Diversity: It acknowledges that different individuals and groups have different needs and capabilities, allowing for tailored interventions.
- Empowerment: It emphasizes empowering individuals to make choices and participate fully in society, breaking down the cycles of dependence and discrimination.
Why the Capability Approach is Most Suitable
Caste discrimination restricts capabilities across multiple dimensions. For example, a Dalit child may have the formal right to education, but lack the social capital, economic resources, or safe environment to actually access and benefit from it. The capability approach, therefore, necessitates interventions that go beyond legal rights and address the underlying social, economic, and cultural barriers.
| Principle of Justice | Effectiveness in Addressing Caste Discrimination |
|---|---|
| Rawlsian Justice | Useful for institutional reforms, but limited in addressing social/cultural aspects. |
| Libertarian Justice | Likely to perpetuate existing inequalities; ignores historical injustices. |
| Capability Approach | Directly addresses deprivations, empowers individuals, and promotes real freedoms. |
Conclusion
While Rawlsian justice offers a framework for institutional reform, and libertarianism upholds individual rights, Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach provides the most comprehensive and effective principle for dissolving caste discrimination. By focusing on expanding real freedoms and addressing the underlying deprivations caused by the system, it moves beyond formal equality to achieve substantive justice. A sustained commitment to enhancing capabilities – through targeted policies in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment – is crucial for dismantling the continuity and hierarchy of caste and building a truly equitable society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.