What was a primary result of the Casta system in colonial societies?

The primary result of the Casta system in colonial societies was the establishment of a clear racial hierarchy. This system categorically divided individuals based on their race and ancestry, creating a stratified society where Spaniards of pure descent occupied the highest social position, while individuals of mixed heritage, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans were positioned lower on the social ladder. The Casta system not only classified people into various categories based on their racial makeup but also dictated their legal rights, economic opportunities, and social status.

Within this framework, people classified as mestizos (of mixed Indigenous and European descent), mulattoes (of mixed African and European descent), and other racial combinations were assigned specific roles and privileges that reflected the colonial attitudes towards race. This rigid hierarchical structure reinforced colonial dominance and maintained power dynamics that favored the European settlers, further entrenching systemic inequality in society. Thus, the Casta system played a crucial role in defining social relations and perceptions of racial identity within colonial environments.