On Humans
What About India? Part II: Success and Stagnation In the World’s Largest Democracy ~ Bishnupriya Gupta
Feb 24, 2025
Bishnupriya Gupta, a professor of economics and author, delves into India's post-colonial journey. The discussion highlights the deep-seated legacy of British colonialism and its impact on modern education and economic structures. Gupta contrasts India's economic progress with East Asian nations, uncovering the successes and challenges of its democracy. Key topics include the role of historical educational policies and the divergence in economic strategies between India and countries like South Korea. Insights into inequality and future expectations further enrich this compelling narrative.
30:28
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Quick takeaways
- The lasting impact of British colonial education policies in India created systemic inequalities, hindering a broad-based skilled workforce essential for economic growth.
- The contrast between India’s interventionist economic model and East Asia’s accessible education policies highlights critical factors contributing to India's economic stagnation and rising inequality.
Deep dives
Impact of Colonial Education Policies
Colonial education policies in India focused heavily on creating a small educated elite rather than providing broad-based primary education, which has had lasting effects on the economy today. The privileged groups, such as Brahmins and traders, leveraged their literacy for professional advancement in fields like law and engineering, while the larger population remained largely uneducated. This higher education bias contributed to a disparity in occupational opportunities, fostering a service sector that showed much higher productivity compared to agriculture and industry. Such systemic inequalities have persisted, as India's workforce lacked the universal education enjoyed by populations in countries like China and South Korea.
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