Question

Write differences.

Casteism and Communalism

Answer 1

S. No.	Casteism	Communalism
1.	Casteism refers to loyalty to one’s own caste before loyalty to the nation.	Communalism refers mainly to loyalty to one’s own religion before the nation.
2.	In case of casteism, caste members protect their own caste group through social services, and other welfare schemes. There is a feeling of social neglect among scheduled castes due to suppression by upper castes.	In case of communalism, people belonging to different religions feel that their religion is superior. Religious fundamentalists try to impose their religious practices on others. Political manipulation, large scale illiteracy and superstitions also lead to communal violence.
3.	When caste loyalty takes political overtones, caste members take their biases & prejudices into politics. People vote for their own caste members. Those castes which have numerical strength rise up. Those who win the elections then favour their caste groups.	Politically speaking, communal conflict weakens democracy. It allows politicians to use religion for satisfying their vested interests. On international front, it adversely affects India’s image.
4.	It is also associated with: 1. Restricted interactions in society. 2. Caste becoming a means of competing for access to resources and power. 3. Creating mistrust among people. 4. Caste atrocities and Caste prejudices. 5. Hurdles for national integration.	It is also associated with: 1. Communal conflict and communal violence. 2. Feelings of deep hatred, bitterness and antagonism between different religions. 3. Retarding economic growth & development. 4. Communal riots, mutual distrust and disintegration. 5. Acts of terrorism. 6.Serious challenge to national reputation and integration.