One sentence summary
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson is a revealing exploration of the hidden and unseen caste system that has shaped our society in ways that we may not realize.
Book genre
Non-fiction, Sociology, History
Main topic of the book
Exploring the caste system that exists in modern societies and looking at its impacts on the lives of individuals.
Key ideas
- The Caste System: Wilkerson examines the deep rooted caste system that impacts many aspects of society, from economics to relationships.
- The Unseen Influences: The ways in which the caste system is often unseen and pervasive in modern society, even though it stems from centuries of historical oppression.
- The Role of Language and Storytelling: Wilkerson’s focus on language, storytelling, and other symbols, reveals how the caste system is often perpetuated through subtle, yet powerful, means.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part I: The Hierarchy – Wilkerson looks at the historical construction of the caste system and how it is being perpetuated in modern society.
- Part II: The Metalanguage – Wilkerson examines the language, symbols, and stories used to perpetuate the caste system.
- Part III: The Way Out – Wilkerson offers a hopeful outlook on how we can move beyond the caste system and into a more unified and equitable society.
Key takeaways
- The caste system is pervasive and often goes unrecognised.
- Language has a huge role in perpetuating the caste system.
- It is possible, through understanding and awareness, to move beyond the caste system and create a more equitable society.
Author’s background and qualifications
Isabel Wilkerson is an award-winning journalist and author, with a background in anthropology, voice, and sociology. She is the author of two books, The Warmth of Other Suns and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize winner and the recipient of numerous awards for journalism and scholarship.
Target audience
The target audience for Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is readers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities who are interested in understanding how and why the caste system exists and persists.
Publisher and first publication date
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents was published by Random House in March 2020.