Social distinction shown by those in play, we hear (5)
I believe the answer is:
caste
'social distinction shown by those' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'play we hear' is the wordplay.
'play' becomes 'cast' (cast is a kind of play).
'we hear' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'cast' is a homophone of 'CASTE'.
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for caste that I've seen before include "Group within society" , "Hereditary class (in India)" , "Brahmans for instance" , "Hindu social rank" , "Social class in India" .)