A sect disposed to social distinction (5)
I believe the answer is:
caste
'social distinction' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a sect disposed' is the wordplay.
'disposed' indicates an anagram.
'a'+'sect'='asect'
'asect' anagrammed gives 'CASTE'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for caste that I've seen before include "Hindu determinant of status" , "Social class or rank" , "Social order" , "Large, long-necked, wading bird" , "Social class in Hinduism" .)