55% of Indians link economic inequality to caste and ethnicity: Pew Research

According to the survey which sheds light on the perception of discrimination and inequality across nations, a significant 55% of Indians believe that economic inequality in the country is rooted in caste and ethnicity.

Global perspective on discrimination

Globally, a median of 34% of adults across the surveyed countries identify racial or ethnic discrimination as a “very big problem,” while another 34% consider it a “moderately big problem.” Concerns are particularly high in sub-Saharan African and Latin American nations, as well as in Asia-Pacific countries like Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.

In contrast, fewer than 20% of respondents in countries like Australia, Singapore, South Korea, and Sweden view racial or ethnic discrimination as a significant issue. For European nations such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, roughly four-in-ten respondents perceive it as a major concern.

The relevance of caste census in India

These findings come amidst ongoing debates about conducting a caste census in India. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been a vocal advocate for such a census, making it a pivotal issue in the 2024 general elections.

A caste census involves collecting data on caste, along with socio-economic and educational indicators. India’s last comprehensive caste census was conducted in 1931, during British rule. Although a nationwide caste survey was undertaken in 2011, its findings were never made public.

From 1951 to 2011, Indian censuses included population data for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), encompassing Dalits and Adivasis. However, the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which the Mandal Commission estimates to form about 52% of the population, were not specifically counted. All other castes, except SCs and STs, were grouped under the “general category.”

In 2023, Bihar conducted its own caste census, revealing that over two-thirds of the state’s population belong to “backward” or marginalised communities. The data showed that dominant castes account for only 15.5% of Bihar’s population, while marginalised groups constitute 84%.

Andhra Pradesh has since become the second state to launch a caste census.

Political and ideological divide

Globally, ideological leanings significantly shape views on discrimination. In many countries, individuals on the ideological left are more likely to see racial or ethnic discrimination as a major issue compared to those on the right.

This divide is most pronounced in the United States, where 51% of liberals perceive such discrimination as a “very big problem,” compared to 15% of conservatives.

Disparities across ethnic groups

The survey also reveals stark disparities in how ethnic groups perceive discrimination within their countries. For instance, in the US, 64% of Black Americans view racial discrimination as a very big problem, compared to 36% of Hispanic Americans and 23% of White Americans.

Similar gaps are evident in Brazil and Israel, where historically marginalised groups report higher levels of concern.

Experts believe that caste census can pave the way for more equitable resource distribution and improved opportunities for marginalised groups. Al Jazeera quoted analysts emphasising that such data-driven discussions could reshape policies, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.