---
title: "Caste as Closed Stratification: Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "Caste is a closed stratification system where rank is ascribed at birth, endogamous, and immobile. See how it differs from class and why UPSC GS1 tests it."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/caste-as-closed-stratification"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Caste is a closed system of social stratification in which membership is ascribed at birth, hereditary, endogamous, and ritually ranked, permitting no individual mobility between strata.
- Why is caste called a 'closed' system of stratification?
- How does caste differ from class?
- If caste is closed, how does Sanskritisation produce mobility?
- Has the abolition of untouchability ended caste closure?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Caste is a closed system of social stratification in which membership is ascribed at birth, hereditary, endogamous, and ritually ranked, permitting no individual mobility between strata.

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