caste

A type of rule where a person's role is determined by his background. Castes also have different levels of power. For example : in ancient Japan, the Tokugawa Dynasty ruled with a caste system, where the samurai were the highest. Another example : India apparently has a caste system. This means that if you were born of a poor family, you are required (not destined, required) to be that way, and nothing you do will change that. Specifically, if someone was the reincarnation of the Buddha, that person would be the most powerful man in India. Contrary to the fetish beliefs, capitalism is NOT a caste system. Capitalism does not judge people on their birth, but requires people to work hard if they want to be rich.