All Things Policy Inequality Beyond Indices
Sep 17, 2025
Sridhar Krishna, a Senior Scholar focused on AI governance, and Suman Joshi, a Program Manager in public policy, delve into the complexities of inequality in India. They discuss the gap between economic data and the lived realities of the poor. The conversation touches on Generation Z's heightened awareness of disparities fueled by social media and the critical role education plays in either bridging or widening existing divides. They also explore the need for equitable policymaking and maintain an optimistic view of India's potential for growth and societal improvement.
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Stability Through Shared Resignation
- Visible urban dysfunction and brutal institutions may paradoxically suppress large-scale revolt by creating shared resignation.
- This is a troubling form of stability that the speakers find morally unsatisfactory.
Envy Targets Neighbors, Not Celebrities
- Envy mostly targets peers, not distant elites, which reduces direct resentment toward the super-rich.
- The poor often compare within their class, so visible elite wealth doesn't always trigger revolt.
Progressive Habits Fall Short At Home
- Many urban progressives stop calling domestic workers "servants" and change small rituals.
- But they rarely share meals or fully equalize pay and conditions for those workers.
