This is copied directly from my Cultural Anthropology notes talking about the Hindu Caste system, if you don't know what the words 'Hindu' or 'caste' mean, go back to high school.
The Hindu caste system is maintained within the culture by religious belief in reincarnation. People strive to follow religious customs in the hope that they will be reborn into a better status and situation in their next life. Part of the religious requirements is that you must maintain your ritual purity (if you are of a higher caste) or avoid “polluting” others (if of a lower or non-caste). For example, if a male of the Brahmin (highest caste) were to have sexual relations with a woman of a lower or non-caste, he would have to undergo very strict rituals in order to regain his ritual purity. However, if a female of a higher caste were to have sexual relations with a lower or non-caste male, she would be considered permanently defiled and has no hope of regaining ritual purity.
Life is just swell, isn't it?
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