In Focus by The Hindu In Focus-Weekend: Manu Joseph on why the poor don’t kill us, and other such mysteries
Aug 24, 2025
Manu Joseph, a journalist and author known for 'Why The Poor Don’t Kill Us', dives into India’s stark social inequalities. He explores why the poor don’t revolt despite extreme exploitation, discussing the psychological dimensions of poverty and contrasting perceptions between Indian and Western societies. The conversation also touches on the cultural aspects of austerity, the stigmas of pawnbrokers, and the nuances of class dynamics. With humor, he critiques societal views on small dog breeds, adding a light-hearted twist to serious themes.
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Relative Poverty Calms Resentment
- Poverty in a poor country can psychologically cushion resentment because everyone shares deprivation.
- Visible messiness reassures many that they haven't been left behind, reducing revolt pressure.
Upward Mobility Raises Expectations
- Material uplift can increase resentment because modest gains raise expectations against society's richer standards.
- Feeding the poor solves hunger but often increases relative grievance and demands for rights.
Man Carrying His Dead Wife
- Manu recounts a man carrying his dead wife long distances because he couldn't afford transport.
- He uses this to illustrate poverty that feels centuries behind and shapes behavior.
