Social Network Analysis of the Caste-Based Reservation System in India

It has been argued that the reservation system in India, which has existed since the time of Indian Independence (1947), has caused more havoc and degradation than progress. This being a popular public opinion, these notions have not been based on any rigorous scientific study or research. In this paper, we revisit the cultural divide among the Indian population from a purely social networks based approach. We study the reservation system in detail, starting from its past and observing its effect on the people. Through a survey, we analyze the variation in behavioural characteristics exhibited towards members of the same caste group versus members from another caste group. We study the distinct cluster formation that takes place in the Indian community, and find that this is largely due to the effect of caste-based homophily. To study the social capital associated with each individual in the backward class, we define a new parameter called social distance. We study the changes that take place with regard to the average social distance of a cluster as well as network formation when a new link is established between the clusters which in its essence, is what the reservation system is accomplishing. Our extensive study calls for the change in the mindset of people in India. Although the animosity towards the reservation system could be rooted due to historical influence, hero worship and herd mentality, our results make it clear that the system has had a considerable impact in the country’s overall development by bridging the gap between the conflicting social groups.