In a caste system, individuals are generally unable to change their societal position primarily based on what factor?

In a caste system, the societal position of individuals is predominantly determined by their parental background. This means that a person’s social status is inherited and fixed from birth, making it very difficult for them to change their standing within the social hierarchy. The caste system is rigid and prohibits mobility, meaning that an individual’s caste is not just a reflection of family lineage but also sets the stage for their opportunities, responsibilities, and social interactions throughout their life.

Education, employment, and aspirations, while influential in other social structures, do not play a significant role in caste systems where personal merit or economic success does not alter one’s social standing. Instead, individuals remain tethered to their caste, which further entrenches societal divisions. This inheritance of social position emphasizes the significance of familial lineage over individual capabilities or ambitions, leading to entrenched social stratification characteristic of such systems.