The Hindujas made UK headlines for mistreating their servants. In India no one batted an eye – here’s why

Although some domestic staff in the subcontinent are treated well, for most it is a relentlessly harsh and thankless existence writes Amrit Dhillon in The Guardian

How the Hindujas, Britain’s richest family, treated their domestic staff at their Swiss mansion made it to the courts and on to the front pages last month. But in India it failed to elicit even a flicker of attention.

Plenty of Indians treat their cooks, maids, drivers and nannies very well. They offer a decent wage, time off, speak to them politely, and appreciate their hard work. They educate the staff’s children in good schools and help to pay for family weddings. When staff grow too old to work, they are bid adieu with a lump sum and a monthly pension for the remainder of their lives as a token of gratitude. During sickness, they are taken to good doctors for treatment without having to pay.

Ajay Hinduja and his wife, Namrata, with their lawyer Robert Assael outside court in Geneva in June. Photograph: Salvatore Di Nolfi/EPA

Some Indians are very generous. When one employer heard that a young woman who had worked for her briefly had been diagnosed with HIV – which she had passed on to her son in pregnancy – the ex-employer began paying a generous sum into her bank account every month to help the young mother manage.

The norm across India, though, is less benign. For most of the maids, cooks, drivers and ayahs (nannies) who work in homes, the following rules apply:

Your work is never done

All the chores may have been finished but no break or relaxation is allowed. It affronts the master’s sense of decency. More work is created. “Come and massage my legs.” “Polish the brass ornaments.” “Oil granny’s hair.” In Aravind Adiga’s novel The White Tiger, when the couple’s cook is not available, they order the driver to cook for them. If a family has no plans to go out, the driver is kept on call, even though he is baking in the heat and could easily be sent home.

Adarsh Gourav as Balram, and ​Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays Pinky, ​in ​the Netflix adaptation of The White Tiger​. Photograph: Singh Tejinder/Netflix

Drivers get every Sunday off but maids are lucky to get two Sundays off in a month and certainly no birthdays. This has prompted some maids to claim they are Hindus married to a Christian man because they are then entitled to more public holidays and festivals.

No space is your own

The maid sleeps on the landing or passage or any available corner. If there are “servant’s quarters” in the home, they are kennels on the rooftop. It is imperative that the rooms have a low roof and no window. When builders erect opulent apartments fitted with Italian marble and Belgian chandeliers, they designate a cell for the help, which can contain an inside latrine – yes, inside – so the maid has to use the toilet in the same tiny space. She must speak to her employer standing up, never sitting on a chair, and eat her food sitting on the floor or mat. Even if the family is out, the sofas and chairs are out of bounds.

Use your own plates

The kitchen is a segregated zone. When the maid eats or has a drink of water, it’s off a separate plate and in a separate glass from those used by the family. She is “clean” enough to cook the family’s meal but not clean enough to use the same crockery, even if it’s only cheap melamine.

Do not fall sick

When a maid becomes ill, the family balk at paying for treatment. You’ve got tuberculosis? Tough luck. We’re not paying for tests or medicines for the stipulated six months. She is sent packing on the first available train back to her village.

Manju Bibi, a domestic servant, resting in her room in a New Delhi slum. Maids are lucky to get two Sundays off in a month and certainly no birthdays. Photograph: Getty Images

No one wants a maid who is incapable of working and incurs expenses. This is the same maid or ayah who will have spent years getting up at night to nurse and comfort the family’s sick children.

The fridge is policed

She may spend all day cooking lovely meals but any expensive treats in the fridge are out of bounds. India is the only country in the world where fridge manufacturers add a lock; even the multinationals have succumbed to this demand. When the family leaves the house, the fridge is locked. In many cases, the mistress of the house actually doles out the food on to the maid’s plate to ensure there is no gluttony. Almonds and other nuts are locked away in a cupboard.

Avoid going out for a meal

Once in a while, a grotesque scene plays out in a restaurant or five-star hotel. The family is dining out and has brought the ayah with them to tend to the toddler so that they can enjoy their evening. The family will not tolerate her sitting with them. She is forced to stand by the table, looking miserable and self-conscious in an environment where she feels hideously out of place. Not only is she the only one standing in the restaurant, she is the only one not eating. The family eat and drink, pay the bill and leave without ordering anything for her.

Use the right lifts

In many housing complexes, the part-time (as opposed to live-in) maid has to use a separate lift, presumably because the residents may be offended by the smells wafting from her in the confined space.

Staff have a separate lift in many Indian apartment blocks. Photograph: Le Pictorium/Alamy

Yet it occurs to no one that perhaps the housing conditions of those who work for the residents should be clean and hygienic instead of the fetid shanties near the complex where they are forced to live, sharing a toilet with 50 or more other families and with no running water.

Do not expect anything

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People living in gated communities will never provide a shelter or install a fan for the press-wallah who irons their clothes outside in the scorching heat, or give him a plastic chair where he can sit to rest in between bouts of work. When this was rashly raised by some do-gooding, bleeding-heart wuss in one south Delhi neighbourhood, the residents’ welfare association erupted in outrage. They argued that all the drivers and security guards in the area would congregate at the chair, and the spot would become a “den of iniquity”, with people playing cards and gambling, while chatting with the press-wallah. Some associations ban drivers from parks and sitting on the benches. Memsahib thinks their presence lowers the tone.

Why are Indians leaving India?

 

The world’s richest countries in 2023

From The Economist

Comparing the wealth of nations is harder than you might think. Countries with lots of people tend to have bigger economies, but that does not mean that individual incomes are high. Dollar income per person is the most common metric for sorting countries into rich and poor, but it does not account for international differences in prices. Nor does it account for how many hours people have to work to earn their wage. To provide a fuller picture, The Economist has created a global rich list using the latest available data on three measures: dollar income per person, adjusted income for local prices (known as purchasing-power parity, or ppp), and income per hour worked. See where each country ranks below.

The findings show how fickle economics can be. Take America. Its gdp is by far the largest at market exchange rates. But its income per person is only the seventh highest in the world, and eighth when adjusting for local prices. When accounting for the long workdays and limited holiday, it drops to 11th. China—the world’s second-largest economy in nominal terms—comes 65th by gdp per person and 96th by hours worked. Other countries with gruesome work cultures also see big shifts: South Korea ranks 31st on our first measure and 30th on our second, but 47th on our third.

In much of western Europe the trend goes in the opposite direction: places such as Belgium, Germany and Sweden fly up the rankings when their lower prices or enviable work-life balance are taken into account. Wages in Luxembourg go the furthest in local prices. And Norway has the world’s highest average income per hour worked. (See the top 20 countries in the chart above.)

These calculations will be imprecise. ppp conversions, for example, struggle to capture differences in the quality of goods and services. Methods for calculating hours worked may differ; it is especially hard to estimate them for poor countries with large informal sectors (read our full methodology here). And the data from some countries cannot be trusted. Some countries (notably China) have very high savings rates, so even their ppp-adjusted gdp per hour will not reflect their living standards. The ranking also captures people’s average incomes (what they earn), not their assets (what they already have). But the comparison offers a more complete assessment of the world’s richest countries than a focus on any single measure—it shows where your money goes furthest, and where long hours may not always pay off.

A Level Economics 78: Economic Growth

Economic Growth: Economic growth refers to the sustained increase in a country's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over time. It is an essential indicator of an economy's overall health and progress, as it reflects the expansion of productive capacity and the ability to produce more goods and services.

Potential Economic Growth: Potential economic growth represents the maximum rate at which an economy can grow sustainably over the long run without generating inflationary pressures or increasing unemployment. It is determined by the growth of the economy's productive capacity, driven by factors such as increases in the labor force, improvements in technology, and capital investments.

Actual Economic Growth: Actual economic growth, on the other hand, represents the real GDP growth rate observed in a given period, which can be either higher or lower than the potential growth rate. Actual growth can be affected by short-term fluctuations in economic activity, changes in aggregate demand, business cycles, and other factors that may lead the economy to deviate from its potential output.

2. Differences between Measured Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Potential Growth:

Measured GDP (Actual Growth): Measured GDP refers to the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific period, typically a quarter or a year. It is the actual growth rate reported for the economy and represents the percentage change in GDP compared to the previous period. Actual GDP can fluctuate over time due to changes in consumer spending, business investment, government spending, and net exports.

Potential Growth: Potential growth, as mentioned earlier, represents the maximum sustainable rate at which an economy can grow without generating inflationary pressures. It is a theoretical concept based on the economy's productive capacity and the factors that determine its long-term growth potential. Potential growth is often estimated using factors like labor force growth, productivity improvements, and technological advancements.

Economic Growth vs. Short-Term Changes in National Income:

Economic growth, in the context of macroeconomics, primarily refers to an increase in the productive capacity of the economy over the long run. It is about the ability of an economy to produce more goods and services consistently and sustainably.

On the other hand, short-term changes in national income, also known as business cycles, refer to the fluctuations in economic activity that occur over shorter periods, often due to changes in aggregate demand. Business cycles encompass periods of economic expansion (boom), contraction (recession), and recovery.

It's important to note that economic growth is a long-term trend, while short-term changes in national income are influenced by various factors like changes in consumer spending, investment, government policies, and external shocks.

Conclusion:

Economic growth is a fundamental concept in economics, representing the sustained increase in a country's real GDP over time. Potential economic growth reflects the maximum sustainable growth rate, while actual economic growth represents the real GDP growth observed in a specific period. Additionally, economic growth focuses on the expansion of the economy's productive capacity in the long run, rather than short-term fluctuations in national income that are characteristic of business cycles. Understanding the difference between potential and actual growth is crucial for policymakers and economists to design effective strategies for promoting sustainable economic development. 

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Differences Between Actual and Potential Growth: Output Gaps and the Business Cycle

Actual Growth: Actual growth, also known as real GDP growth, refers to the actual rate of increase in an economy's output of goods and services over a specific period, such as a quarter or a year. It represents the current level of economic activity and is measured using the country's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Actual growth can be positive or negative, indicating whether the economy is expanding or contracting.

Potential Growth: Potential growth, on the other hand, represents the maximum sustainable rate at which an economy can grow without generating inflationary or deflationary pressures. It is determined by the economy's long-term productive capacity, influenced by factors such as labor force growth, capital investment, technological advancements, and productivity improvements.

Output Gap: The difference between actual and potential GDP is called the output gap. It helps economists assess the economy's position in the business cycle and determine whether it is operating above or below its potential level.

Positive Output Gap: A positive output gap occurs when actual GDP exceeds potential GDP. This situation suggests that the economy is operating at an above-average level of output, leading to resource shortages, rising inflationary pressures, and potentially overheating. Positive output gaps are characteristic of economic booms and expansionary phases of the business cycle.

Negative Output Gap: A negative output gap occurs when actual GDP falls below potential GDP. In this case, the economy is operating at a level below its full capacity, resulting in unemployment and idle resources. Negative output gaps are associated with economic contractions and recessions.

Business Cycle: The business cycle represents the fluctuations in economic activity over time, characterized by periods of expansion (economic boom), contraction (recession), and eventual recovery. The business cycle is not a regular or predictable pattern, and its duration and intensity can vary.

During the expansion phase, actual GDP growth is higher than potential GDP, leading to a positive output gap and a period of economic growth. Conversely, during the contraction phase, actual GDP growth falls below potential GDP, leading to a negative output gap and a period of economic recession.

2. What is Meant by the Term 'Recession'?

Recession: A recession is a significant and widespread decline in economic activity across an economy that lasts for an extended period. It is typically characterized by a contraction in real GDP, rising unemployment, declining consumer spending, reduced business investment, and decreased production and industrial output.

Key features of a recession:

1. Negative GDP Growth: During a recession, the real GDP of a country declines for at least two consecutive quarters, indicating a contraction in economic output.

2. Rising Unemployment: As economic activity slows down, businesses may cut jobs, leading to an increase in unemployment rates.

3. Reduced Consumer and Business Spending: During a recession, consumer confidence tends to decline, leading to reduced spending on goods and services. Additionally, businesses may reduce their investments and capital expenditures.

4. Decline in Industrial Production: A recession often results in decreased industrial production as demand for goods and services decreases.

5. Financial Market Instability: Recessionary periods may also lead to financial market instability, including stock market declines and credit contractions.

Governments and central banks often respond to recessions with expansionary fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate economic activity and promote recovery.

Conclusion:

Actual growth refers to the real GDP growth experienced in an economy over a specific period, while potential growth represents the maximum sustainable growth rate without generating inflationary pressures. The output gap, which is the difference between actual and potential GDP, helps economists assess the economy's position in the business cycle. Positive output gaps indicate economic expansion and potential inflationary pressures, while negative output gaps signify economic contractions and recessions. A recession is a significant and prolonged contraction in economic activity characterized by declining GDP, rising unemployment, reduced consumer and business spending, and financial market instability. Policymakers implement measures to mitigate the impact of recessions and promote economic recovery.

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Importance of Factors of Economic Growth:

Understanding the causes of economic growth is essential for policymakers and learners to grasp how economies expand and improve living standards. Let's link the factors mentioned above to their importance in driving growth:

1. Quantity of Factors of Production: Increasing the quantity of factors of production, such as labor and capital, allows economies to produce more goods and services, leading to higher GDP and economic growth.

2. Quality of Factors of Production: A skilled and educated workforce enhances productivity and innovation, leading to higher economic growth rates. Investing in human capital is crucial for sustained growth.

3. Efficiency of Factors of Production: Efficiently utilizing resources results in higher productivity and output. This is crucial for long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

4. Technological Advancements: Technological progress drives innovation, increases productivity, and enables the production of higher-quality goods and services at a lower cost, fueling economic growth.

5. Investment and Capital Accumulation: Investment in physical and human capital boosts productivity, job creation, and economic expansion. Accumulating capital is crucial for long-term growth.

6. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Innovation and entrepreneurship drive economic growth by introducing new products, services, and industries, leading to increased productivity and expansion.

7. Factor Market Flexibility: Flexible factor markets facilitate resource allocation, enabling efficient use of labor and capital, contributing to economic growth.

8. Government Policies: Well-designed government policies can create an enabling environment for investment, innovation, education, and infrastructure development, fostering economic growth.

9. Global Trade and Investment: Engaging in international trade and attracting foreign direct investment can provide access to new markets and technologies, driving economic growth.

The Role of Policy Instruments in Promoting Growth:

Policymakers can use various policy instruments to stimulate economic growth:

1. Monetary Policy: Central banks can influence economic growth by adjusting interest rates and money supply. Lowering interest rates encourages borrowing and investment, boosting economic activity.

2. Fiscal Policy: Governments can use fiscal policy to support growth through changes in taxation and government spending. Increasing government spending on infrastructure projects can create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

3. Investment in Education and Research: Governments can invest in education and research to enhance the quality of human capital and foster innovation, driving economic growth.

4. Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure such as transportation, communication, and energy systems can improve productivity and support economic growth.

5. Incentives for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Governments can provide incentives and support for entrepreneurs and innovative businesses to drive technological advancements and economic expansion.

6. Trade Agreements and Policies: Promoting international trade through trade agreements and policies can open new markets, increase exports, and drive economic growth.

7. Regulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulations and reducing bureaucratic barriers can improve business conditions, attract investment, and support economic growth.

Conclusion:

Understanding the importance of the factors driving economic growth empowers learners to discuss their role in promoting sustainable development. Policymakers have various policy instruments at their disposal to create an enabling environment for economic growth. By employing these policies effectively and considering the interplay of different factors, governments can foster long-term economic expansion, job creation, and improved living standards.

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Benefits of Growth:

1. Increased Standard of Living: Economic growth leads to higher real GDP per capita, improving the standard of living for individuals as they have access to more goods and services.

2. Job Creation: Economic growth often creates new job opportunities, reducing unemployment rates and increasing workforce participation.

3. Reduced Poverty: With increased economic growth, more resources are available for poverty alleviation programs, reducing the number of people living in poverty.

4. Higher Government Revenue: Economic growth results in increased tax revenues for the government, which can be used to fund public services and infrastructure development.

5. Investment in Education and Healthcare: Economic growth enables governments to invest more in education and healthcare, leading to a better-educated and healthier workforce.

6. Innovation and Technological Advancements: Growth fosters innovation, leading to technological advancements that improve productivity and enhance overall economic performance.

Costs of Growth:

1. Income Inequality: Economic growth may not be evenly distributed, leading to an increase in income inequality. The benefits of growth may primarily accrue to the wealthy, leaving many individuals behind.

2. Environmental Degradation: Rapid economic growth can result in increased resource consumption and pollution, leading to environmental degradation and negative impacts on ecosystems.

3. Resource Depletion: High growth rates can lead to the depletion of natural resources, which could compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

4. Social Disruptions: Economic growth can bring social disruptions as people migrate to urban areas in search of job opportunities, leading to challenges in housing, infrastructure, and social services.

5. Inflationary Pressures: High economic growth can generate demand pressures, leading to inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of money.

6. Overemphasis on Materialism: Relentless pursuit of economic growth can create a culture focused solely on materialism and consumerism, neglecting other aspects of human well-being.

Evaluation of Benefits:

1. Distribution of Benefits: The benefits of economic growth may not be distributed evenly among the population, leading to income inequality. Policymakers should implement targeted measures to ensure more inclusive growth, such as progressive taxation and social welfare programs.

2. Opportunity Costs: Economic growth often requires allocating resources to certain sectors, which may come at the expense of investing in other critical areas, such as education, healthcare, or environmental protection.

3. Sustainability of Growth: Growth that depletes natural resources and damages the environment may not be sustainable in the long run. Policymakers should prioritize sustainable development to ensure that future generations can also enjoy a high standard of living.

4. Conflicts with Other Policy Objectives: Economic growth may conflict with other policy objectives, such as environmental conservation or reducing inflation. Policymakers must strike a balance between these objectives and use appropriate policy tools to manage trade-offs.

Conclusion:

Economic growth brings numerous benefits, including improved living standards, job creation, and poverty reduction. However, it also has costs, such as income inequality, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. Policymakers need to consider the distribution of benefits, opportunity costs, sustainability, and potential conflicts with other policy objectives to ensure that growth is inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable. Implementing targeted policies and reforms can help maximize the benefits of growth while minimizing its adverse effects on society and the environment.

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Conflicts with Other Policy Objectives (expanded):

1. Inflation Control vs. Growth: Central banks aim to control inflation to maintain price stability. However, during periods of rapid economic growth, demand pressures can lead to higher inflation rates. Policymakers may face a dilemma between promoting growth and controlling inflation, as contractionary measures to control inflation can potentially slow down economic expansion.

2. Environmental Conservation vs. Growth: Economic growth often involves increased resource consumption and industrial activity, leading to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental conservation and sustainability objectives may conflict with growth policies, as some industries or practices may negatively impact the environment.

3. Income Inequality vs. Growth: While economic growth can contribute to poverty reduction, it may not always lead to equitable income distribution. In many cases, the benefits of growth disproportionately benefit the wealthy, leading to an increase in income inequality. Policymakers may need to implement redistributive policies to address this disparity.

4. Social Welfare vs. Growth: Rapid growth may not always translate into improved social welfare for all segments of the population. Inadequate social safety nets or insufficient investment in social services may hinder the equitable distribution of the benefits of growth.

5. Fiscal Discipline vs. Growth: High growth rates can sometimes lead to increased government spending and borrowing. Maintaining fiscal discipline and managing public debt become challenging during periods of robust economic growth, as policymakers may be tempted to overspend and jeopardize fiscal sustainability.

6. Global Trade vs. Domestic Industries: Promoting growth through global trade and international competition may benefit consumers with cheaper imports but could negatively impact domestic industries that struggle to compete. Policymakers may need to strike a balance between supporting domestic industries and allowing consumers to benefit from international trade.

7. Financial Stability vs. Growth: In some cases, excessive credit expansion and risk-taking during periods of strong growth can lead to financial instability and bubbles in asset markets. Policymakers must monitor and regulate financial markets to prevent excessive risk-taking that could undermine financial stability.

Managing Conflicts and Trade-offs:

Effectively managing conflicts between economic growth and other policy objectives requires a balanced and integrated approach to policymaking:

1. Targeted Policies: Policymakers can implement targeted policies to address income inequality and ensure that the benefits of growth are more evenly distributed among the population.

2. Environmental Regulations: Stricter environmental regulations and incentives for green technologies can promote sustainable growth while mitigating environmental impacts.

3. Social Safety Nets: Strong social safety nets and investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure can ensure that growth translates into improved social welfare for all citizens.

4. Fiscal Responsibility: Maintaining fiscal discipline during periods of growth can create fiscal buffers for future downturns and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.

5. Regulatory Framework: Policymakers should establish a robust regulatory framework to prevent excessive risk-taking and maintain financial stability while promoting growth.

6. Long-Term Vision: Policymakers need to consider the long-term consequences of growth and focus on sustainable development, balancing short-term economic gains with long-term well-being and environmental protection.

Conclusion:

Economic growth can sometimes conflict with other policy objectives, such as inflation control, environmental conservation, income equality, and fiscal responsibility. Policymakers must carefully manage these conflicts by implementing targeted policies, promoting sustainability, and considering the long-term implications of growth. Balancing these objectives effectively is crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits society as a whole.

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Strengths of GDP as a Measure of Economic Growth:

1. Widely Used Indicator: GDP is one of the most widely used indicators of economic growth and overall economic performance. It provides a standardized measure that allows for easy comparisons between different countries and over time.

2. Comprehensive Measurement: GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced within an economy, providing a comprehensive view of economic activity. It includes consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports, covering various aspects of economic performance.

3. Real and Nominal GDP: GDP is reported in both real and nominal terms, allowing for adjustments to account for inflation and enabling comparisons of economic growth over time in constant prices.

4. Basis for Policy Decisions: Policymakers often use GDP as a key metric to guide their decisions on fiscal and monetary policies. High GDP growth rates are generally associated with a healthy economy.

5. Indicator of Standard of Living: Higher GDP per capita is generally correlated with a higher standard of living for the population, as it reflects greater economic output and income potential.

Weaknesses of GDP as a Measure of Economic Growth:

1. Excludes Non-Market Activities: GDP does not account for non-market activities, such as household work and volunteer services, which contribute to economic well-being but are not captured in official economic measurements.

2. Ignores Income Distribution: GDP does not consider income distribution, so it may not reflect how growth benefits different segments of society. Economic growth could be concentrated among the wealthy, leading to increased income inequality.

3. Quality of Life and Welfare: GDP focuses solely on economic output and does not directly measure factors like quality of life, environmental sustainability, health, education, and happiness, which are crucial aspects of human welfare.

4. Ignores Negative Externalities: GDP does not account for negative externalities, such as environmental pollution and resource depletion, which can have adverse effects on well-being and future economic sustainability.

5. Informal Economy and Shadow Economy: GDP may not fully capture the economic activity in the informal economy and the shadow economy, leading to an underestimation of the true economic output.

6. Economic Structure: GDP does not provide insights into the structure of the economy, including the composition of output and the types of goods and services produced.

7. Neglects Unpaid Work: GDP does not consider the value of unpaid work, such as household chores and care work, which can be significant contributions to society but are not accounted for in economic measurements.

Conclusion:

GDP is a widely used and valuable indicator of economic growth and overall economic performance. It provides a standardized measure for comparing economic activity across countries and over time. However, it has several limitations, including its exclusion of non-market activities, income distribution, quality of life, negative externalities, and the informal economy. Policymakers and economists should use GDP in conjunction with other indicators and measures to gain a more comprehensive understanding of economic well-being and to develop policies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth.