Each volume in this series presents current research in a core area of study, including papers from sources which are not readily accessible to the general reader. Problems will be posed in general theoretical terms, but Indian ethnography will be used wherever possible to illustrate them. "Social Stratification", the first book in the series, concentrates on four themes: caste; caste profiles; class; and caste, class, and conflict. Problems addressed include variations to the ideal pattern of the traditional caste system and the tension between caste and class. The book is aimed at students and teachers of sociology and social anthropology, as well as interested laypersons.