Aayushi BansalAIR 7 · CSE 2024 · 163 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Middle class is structurally placed between propetied upper class and manual labour working class (Giddens).
However, in Indian context it is more of a symbolic than structural category (Deshpande).
New Middle class arose post 1990s liberalisation and is different from old middle class which arose during colonial modernity.
Body · points and prose
Difference between both
Close · a summary
| New middle class (MC) | Old middle class |
|---|---|
| 1. New think tank, arguing on policy (Amartya sen) | 1. Instrumental in national freedom struggle. |
◎ New MC files PIL & participates in social movements (Oommen)
However new MC is also dysfunctional as compared to old:-
◎ Articulates hegemony of ruling class in civil society (Partha Chatterjee)
◎ Privatises & reproduces cultural capital (Deshpande) eg education.
◎ Focusses on consumerism & world class city living (Jaffrelot & Veer) This is opposed to minimalistic lifestyle followed earlier.
New MC has broadened democracy bringing in new reforms (Gurucharan Das) taking the mantle from old middle class.