OUTCASTES Meaning and
Definition
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Outcastes refers to individuals or groups who are marginalized, ostracized, or excluded from mainstream society based on their caste, social status, or birth. This term is primarily used in the context of Hinduism and the caste system prevalent in India.
In Hindu society, the caste system divides people into different hierarchical groups, known as castes, which are largely endogamous and determined by birth. The outcastes, also known as Dalits or untouchables, occupy the lowest position in this system. They are considered impure and socially inept and are subjected to severe discrimination and social exclusion.
Outcastes face numerous restrictions and suffer from various forms of oppression, including limitations on access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. They are often forced to perform menial and degrading tasks, such as cleaning toilets or handling dead animals, and are treated as untouchables. Social interaction with outcastes is considered polluting, and they are typically kept separate from the rest of society.
Efforts to improve the conditions of outcastes have been ongoing, with constitutional provisions and affirmative action policies aiming to uplift them. Nevertheless, the social stigma associated with outcastes remains a significant challenge, and their full integration into mainstream society is yet to be achieved.
Common Misspellings for OUTCASTES
- iutcastes
- kutcastes
- lutcastes
- putcastes
- 0utcastes
- 9utcastes
- oytcastes
- ohtcastes
- ojtcastes
- oitcastes
- o8tcastes
- o7tcastes
- ourcastes
- oufcastes
- ougcastes
- ouycastes
- ou6castes
- ou5castes
- outxastes
Etymology of OUTCASTES
The word "outcastes" is derived from the combination of two words: "out" and "caste".
The term "caste" originates from the Portuguese word "casta", which means "race, lineage, or breed". It was first used in the context of Indian social structure during the colonial period, particularly by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Portuguese adopted the word from the Spanish word "casta", which was used to classify mixed-race populations in the American colonies.
The term "out", in this context, refers to something outside, apart, or excluded from a particular group or society. When combined, "outcaste" refers to individuals or groups who are socially marginalized, excluded, or considered impure within the rigid social hierarchy of the Indian caste system.
It is important to note that the term "outcastes" is considered outdated and potentially offensive today.
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