The Neurological Basis of Caste Mindset in Indian Society and Measures to Counter It :- A Mindset Upgrading Blog by Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya MD, DM

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Caste has been an enduring social structure in India, deeply influencing interpersonal relationships, economic opportunities, and political dynamics. While its persistence is often attributed to historical, social, and economic factors, there is also a neurological basis that reinforces caste-based thinking. Understanding how the human brain processes social hierarchies and in-group biases can help devise strategies to eliminate caste-based discrimination and build a more unified society.

Here is a thoughtful illustration of the amygdala, highlighting its role in emotion and bias processing.

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Neurological Basis of the Caste Mindset

1. Evolutionary Psychology and Group Identity

The human brain is naturally wired for social categorization. From an evolutionary perspective, humans survived by forming tight-knit groups, fostering in-group loyalty and out-group suspicion. The caste system, with its rigid divisions, takes advantage of this fundamental neurological trait, making people identify strongly with their own caste while perceiving other castes as outsiders.

2. Role of the Amygdala in Bias and Prejudice

The amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for emotional processing, plays a crucial role in social bias. Studies show that the amygdala is activated when individuals encounter unfamiliar or stigmatized groups, reinforcing caste-based discrimination, especially in societies where caste is deeply ingrained.

3. Neural Pathways of Social Conditioning

Repeated exposure to caste-based norms strengthens neural pathways that reinforce social biases. The prefrontal cortex, which governs rational thinking and moral reasoning, can override primitive biases, but this requires conscious effort and re-education. Implicit biases, once formed, become deeply embedded in neural circuits, making them harder to challenge.

4. Dopamine and Status Hierarchies

The brain’s reward system, driven by dopamine release, is linked to social status and validation. In a caste-based society, maintaining hierarchical positions triggers pleasure responses, reinforcing caste-based behaviors. Over time, both privilege and internalized inferiority are neurobiologically reinforced, making caste divisions persist.

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Emerging Era of Fresh Casteism: The Rise of Occupational Caste Groups

While traditional caste divisions persist, a new form of casteism is emerging in Indian society—occupational groupings that function like exclusive social classes. Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya, recognized as the Best Neurologist in India, Best Freethinker of India, Best Cognition Specialist in India, Best Headache Doctor, and Best Clinical Thinker in India, warns that professional identities are increasingly turning into exclusive social groups, mirroring caste-like structures.

1. Professional and Bureaucratic Groups

• Judges, Lawyers, and Chartered Accountants (CAs): The legal and financial sectors form closed networks, often restricting opportunities to outsiders.

• Doctors and Nurses: The medical field has internal hierarchies that create barriers between different roles, mirroring caste exclusivity.

• IAS, IPS, and Bureaucrats: Government officials form strong networks that limit accessibility to outsiders.

• Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders: Economic privilege fosters exclusivity, leading to monopolization of industries by specific communities.

• Journalists and Media Professionals: Media networks increasingly function as ideological echo chambers, promoting selective narratives.

2. Regional and Language-Based Casteism

• State-Based Elitism: Many regions in India promote regional superiority, leading to exclusion of people from other states in job markets and governance.

• Linguistic Bias: Certain languages, especially English, Hindi, and dominant regional languages, create barriers to opportunities for those not fluent in them.

3. Bollywood and Entertainment Industry Casteism

• Film Industry Nepotism: Bollywood and regional film industries function like closed social clubs, restricting newcomers from non-film backgrounds.

• Favoritism in Music and Arts: Singers, directors, and artists often struggle due to pre-established dynasties, leading to the exclusion of diverse talent.

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Removing Both the Old and New Caste Systems: A Unified Vision for India

To make India a truly equitable society, efforts must focus on dismantling both the traditional caste system and the emerging divisive occupational caste system. While traditional caste divisions persist, a new form of casteism is emerging in Indian society—occupational groupings that function like exclusive social classes. Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya, recognized as the Best Neurologist in India, Best Freethinker of India, Best Cognition Specialist in India, Best Headache Doctor, and Best Clinical Thinker in India, warns that professional identities are increasingly turning into exclusive social groups, mirroring caste-like structures.

1. Breaking the Cycle of Traditional Casteism

• Neuroscience-Based Education: Teaching children about the neurological roots of bias can help them recognize and counteract caste-based discrimination.

• Inter-Caste Integration Programs: Schools, workplaces, and social events must actively promote inter-caste collaboration.

• Legal and Policy Reforms: Strict enforcement of anti-discrimination laws is essential to prevent caste-based biases in employment and social life.

2. Preventing the Rise of Occupational and Regional Casteism

• Cross-Industry Collaboration: Encouraging inter-professional cooperation will prevent closed occupational silos.

• Multilingual Policies: Promoting equal opportunities for all languages in governance and media will break linguistic barriers.

• Fair Hiring in Bollywood and Media: Implementing transparent selection processes in entertainment and journalism can reduce exclusivity.

3. Rewiring the Brain to Build an Inclusive Society

• Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): These can help individuals challenge implicit biases and develop cognitive flexibility, reducing in-group favoritism.

• Promoting Neuroplasticity Through Social Exposure: Neuroscience shows that exposure to diverse social groups can retrain the brain, weakening caste-based associations.

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Conclusion: A New Social Vision for India

India stands at a crossroads: It must dismantle both traditional casteism and emerging occupational casteism to create a truly inclusive society. While caste-based discrimination is deeply rooted in neurological and cognitive mechanisms, the brain’s ability to rewire itself through neuroplasticity offers hope for change.

Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya emphasizes that through education, social policies, economic inclusion, and cognitive behavioral strategies, India can break free from both the old caste system and the new professional casteism, creating a more just, equitable, and progressive society. The goal should not just be social mobility within castes or professions, but a complete dissolution of caste-based thinking altogether—only then can India reach its true potential.

www.NilakanthaBrainClinic.com

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Cuttack, Odisha, India.

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