A STUDY OF THE CHALLENGES FACING THE CASTE-BASED ECONOMIC IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Abstract

There was a strong, self-sufficient social and economic pattern based on the system of caste in the traditional society. However, since later changes in the social system caused by foreign invasions, the caste-based social and economic system collapsed. Therefore, the skillful craft of knowledge had collapsed, and the social system based on it had broken up. Anyhow, craftsmen engaged in traditional jobs can also be seen in modern society. The problem of the research was, why does the caste-based economy fail to use modern technology? The main purpose of this research was to understand the reasons behind the caste economy for not using modern technology. Palpola village in Millaniya secretariat division of Kaluthara district of Western Province has selected as the research field. This is a comparative study about the former study which has done over six decades and the prevailing condition (Professor Bryce Ryan's research "Sinhalese Village" - 1958). In this research comparative method and historical method were used as the research methods. Observation, Interviews and survey methods were used as the techniques of collecting data. Primary data were obtained through field study and secondary data were obtained by referring the relevant books and articles including Professor Bryce Ryan's book (Sinhalese Village). The results of the research that modern technology has not been used because of the caste traditions. Therefore, craftsmen products did not enough to fulfill modern requirements.