Caste labels carry fixed hierarchical associations that bar reform

Evidence

There is another objection to the continuance of these labels. All reform consists in a change in the notions, sentiments and mental attitudes of the people towards men and things. It is common experience that certain names become associated with certain notions and sentiments which determine a person’s attitude towards men and things. The names Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra are names which are associated with a definite and fixed notion in the mind of every Hindu. That notion is that of a hierarchy based on birth. — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 912

Categorization

• DEFINE: Posits that reform must change sentiments attached to names, and caste labels carry a fixed birth-hierarchy notion.