Casteist Remarks on Social Media and Education: A Critical Examination

Abstract

Caste-based discrimination, although constitutionally prohibited in India, continues to manifest in multiple spheres of public life. With the expansion of digital technologies and widespread access to the internet, social media platforms have emerged as significant sites where caste prejudice is articulated, reinforced, and circulated. This chapter critically examines the rise of casteist remarks on social media and their implications for the education sector in India. Drawing on theories of digital public spheres, symbolic violence, and critical pedagogy, the chapter analyses how caste-based hostility online affects learners’ identity formation, academic participation, and psychological well-being. Through case studies, legislative review, and institutional analysis, it highlights the urgent need for inclusive digital citizenship and educational reform. The chapter concludes by offering recommendations for educators, policymakers, and technological platforms to counter online casteism and foster socially just learning environments.