Equality in Post-Independence India: Progress and Challenges
Explore the complex landscape of equality in post-independence India through this insightful talk by Professor Steven I. Wilkinson. Delve into the fundamental right to equality enshrined in the 1950 Constitution and examine the ongoing challenges in achieving caste, religious, gender, and sexual equality. Analyze the impact of market liberalization on equality and investigate the historical context, including the fierce pre-independence debates on protecting disadvantaged groups. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the political inclusion of Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes, regional disparities in poverty, and the overrepresentation of Muslims in low-paid occupations. Examine market discrimination, pre-market inequalities, and the role of cultural capital in perpetuating disparities. Evaluate the effectiveness of public distribution schemes and consider the prospects for greater equality in India's future.