A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center has unveiled that a significant majority of Indians are deeply concerned about economic inequality in the country.
The survey, which included responses from over 41,503 individuals across 36 countries, highlights that approximately 81% of Indians believe the wealth gap between the rich and the poor is excessively wide, with 64% of respondents labelling it a “very big problem.”
The findings were published on January 9 in the report titled “Economic Inequality Seen as Major Challenge Around the World.”
The report draws data from regions including the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, North America, and sub-Saharan Africa, providing a comprehensive view of global perspectives on economic disparity.
In India, concerns about economic inequality are pronounced, with 39% of respondents advocating for a complete reform of the economic system and another 34% calling for major changes. The survey attributes the perceived inequality to several factors, including the undue political influence of wealthy individuals, which 79% of Indian respondents identified as a major contributor.
Other significant factors include automation (73%), the education system (72%), and racial or ethnic discrimination (56%). Additionally, 65% of Indians believe that disparities in opportunities from birth significantly contribute to economic inequality.
Globally, the survey reveals a similar trend, with a median of 54% of adults across the surveyed nations considering the gap between the rich and the poor a very big problem, and 60% attributing it to the excessive political influence of the rich.
In addition to economic inequality, the survey also sheds light on the pervasive issues of religious and caste discrimination in India. A striking 71% of Indian respondents view religious discrimination as a serious problem, with 57% categorizing it as a “very big problem” and 14% as a “moderately big problem.” Furthermore, 69% of Indians believe caste and ethnic discrimination remain significant challenges.
These findings align with global sentiments, as the survey indicates that a median of 29% of adults across the surveyed countries view religious discrimination as a “very big problem.”