The Osu Caste System in Nigeria

Abstract

"Two schools of thought concerning · the applicability of the term "caste" exist among social anthropologists. 1 The first school recommends the application of caste system only to Hinduism and its ritual requirements. Caste system, according to this school of thought is unique to India or at least to Southeast Asia. 2 The second school of thought defines caste in terms of certain structural features which are found not only in Hindu India but in a number of other societies as well. This school of thought identifies caste on a wider area: The Arabian Peninsula, Japan, Polynesia, North Africa, East Africa, Haiti, Aboriginal North America and Southern United States.3 West Africa is excluded"