Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of the way Isabel Wilkerson connects historical narratives across the United States, India, and Nazi Germany to illustrate the concept of caste? Did this comparative approach enhance your understanding of systemic inequality?

2. The book links the concept of caste to historical and modern injustices, including the role of caste in shaping societal norms and policies. Which aspects of this connection did you find most compelling or surprising?

3. Wilkerson discusses the impact of caste systems on marginalized communities. How does her exploration align with other explorations of inequality you may have encountered—e.g., Ousmane Sembène's novel God's Bits of Wood, which portrays the struggles of African railway workers against colonial oppression and social stratification?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences. 

1. Wilkerson describes caste as an invisible yet powerful force that dictates one’s opportunities and limitations. Have you ever experienced or witnessed situations where societal structures influenced how people were treated or what they could achieve? How did it affect your perspective?