The Curious Case of France's Untouchable Castes

A detailed analysis from LessWrong explores the history of France's forgotten untouchable castes, specifically the Cagots and the Caquins. These hereditary groups were socially excluded and restricted to specific trades, such as woodworking and rope-making, despite being Christians. Unlike other global untouchable classes often tied to 'unclean' work, the author notes that these French groups performed standard artisan roles, suggesting their occupational restrictions were used to enforce social stigma rather than cause it.

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