Summary & Analysis of Caste

In Caste, Isabel Wilkerson investigates the origins, evolution, and everyday workings of an insidious force that shapes the life of every American.


What does this SNAP Summary Include?

Synopsis of the original book
Key takeaways from each chapter
The eight pillars that support all caste systems
Parallels between India, Nazi Germany, and America's caste systems
Editorial Review
Background on Isabel Wilkerson



About the Original Book:

Caste, Wilkerson writes, is synonymous with India, and many Americans would be appalled by the idea that it exists in the largest democracy in the world. But this artificial hierarchy, this ranking of human value on the basis of ancestry and other fixed traits, undergirds virtually every aspect of American life. It is older and runs deeper than racism. It sets collective expectations of who can live where, hold which position, and get what quality of healthcare. Drawing from historical research and her own observations, Wilkerson describes the overlaps between the caste systems of the United States, India, and Nazi Germany and explains how caste hierarchy shows up in everyday life and hurts everyone it affects. Her masterful analysis makes Caste one of the most important re-interpretations of America’s social and cultural divides. 


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