Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a caste?

The correct answer highlights that a fundamental characteristic of a caste system is its rigidity and permanence, which distinguishes it from more fluid social structures. Caste systems are traditionally recognized for their fixed nature, where individuals are born into a specific caste and remain in that caste for life. This aspect of being fixed at birth means that there is a lack of social mobility, and one's caste determines many aspects of life, including occupation, social interactions, and marital choices.

Caste systems are indeed characterized by endogamy, meaning that individuals typically marry within their own caste, reinforcing the boundaries and distinctions between different castes. Additionally, these systems rank individuals in a hierarchy, where some castes are considered higher or lower than others, further solidifying social stratification.

The notion that caste is changeable over time contradicts the very essence of caste systems, which are meant to provide a stable social structure. While there may be instances of mobility or reform in certain contexts, the intrinsic definition of a caste system is rooted in its fixed and enduring nature. Hence, the assertion that it is changeable over time does not align with the core characteristics of caste systems.