Sanskritisation has been criticized as it leads to no _____ just _____ for some.
A. Structural change
B. Positional change
C. Social change
D. Economic change
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A and B only
A. Structural change — fills the first blank. Sanskritisation has been criticised for exaggerating the scope of ‘lower castes’ to move up the social ladder, because it leads to no structural change: the unequal caste structure itself stays as it is.
B. Positional change — fills the second blank. What it brings is only positional change of some individuals. Inequality continues, though some individuals may improve their positions within the unequal structure.
C. Social change — does not fit. Social change is the broad term for any change in society over time; the criticism turns on the narrower contrast between the structure and an individual’s place within it.
D. Economic change — does not fit. Economic change concerns production, income and wealth. Sanskritisation is about imitating the rites and practices of the ‘upper castes’ to rise in caste status, so the criticism is about structure and position, not the economy.
NCERT (2025-26): “Sanskritisation … Sanskritisation as a concept has been criticised at different levels. One, it has been criticised for exaggerating social mobility or the scope of ‘lower castes’ to move up the social ladder. For it leads to no structural change but only positional change of some individuals. In other words inequality continues to persist though some individuals may be able to improve their positions within the unequal structure.…” |