What are the similarities between a class and caste system?

System of class is a system that classifies a society in
different groups that have nearly the same standing in the society. Such groupings can
be on the basis of may different factors such as wealth, power, prestige, ancestry or
birth, religion, and occupation. Every society has some system of social classes based
on one or more of such factors.

Caste system is a
particular type of class system in which the social grouping is done on the basis of
birth. The cast system generally refers to such system that exists in Indian
subcontinent. It is worthwhile noting that the caste system in India was originally a
system of prescribing codes of conduct of people to suit the requirements of their
occupation. But as the occupation of people became hereditary the cast system focus
changed from occupation to birth and heredity.

In general
class system permits some flexibility to individuals to move from one class to another.
However such flexibility is not available in any class system based on ancestry or
birth. Thus cast system also does not permit any mobility to individuals to move from
one class to another.

Generally a class system involves
ranking of different groups in minds of people as superior and inferior. The caste
system also involves such ranking of different castes. The class system can be informal
or formal. The caste system of India is quite formal and well
defined.