Abstract

Caste dynamics continue to shape the social economic and political fabric of contemporary India despite significant progress in legislation and social reforms. This paper examines the relationship between caste and social mobility focusing on how caste hierarchies influence access to education employment and resources. It explores both the persistence of caste-based inequalities and the mechanisms of upward mobility facilitated by affirmative action education and economic liberalization. Using a sociological lens the paper discusses theoretical frameworks empirical studies and policy implications to provide a nuanced understanding of caste and social mobility in modern India.