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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, we speak with Alpa Shah, an anthropologist and lecturer at the London School of Economics, about the complex issues of inequality, democracy, and activism in India. Shah begins by discussing the importance of democracy in protecting minority rights and questions whether this ideal is being upheld in India. She also highlights the complexity of the term "decolonisation" and warns against its potential hijacking by extremist forces. The conversation then turns to the challenges of labour unionisation in India, particularly in representing informal sector workers. Shah notes that unions often focus on formal sector labour, leaving out a significant portion of the workforce. Shifting to the intersectionality of various forms of inequality, Shah introduces the concept of "conjugated oppression." She emphasises the need for mobilisation efforts that address multiple forms of inequality simultaneously. Shah also discusses the impact of her research on both academic and public audiences. She notes that her work has raised awareness of inequality and discrimination in India, particularly among the Indian diaspora. She also mentions that her research has reached higher levels of policymaking, such as the United Nations. The conversation concludes with a mention of Shah's upcoming book, "Incarcerations," which is set to be released in March 2024. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the challenges of inequality and discrimination in India, the importance of intersectional mobilisation, and the impact of academic research on raising awareness and influencing policy changes. Subscribe to Unequal Worlds on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to let us know what you think! *************************************************** ⁠GRIP Newsletter⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ - ⁠Facebook ⁠- ⁠Instagram ⁠ ***************************************************

In this episode of Unequal Worlds, Divine Fuh explores the complex relationship between decolonisation and the pursuit of human dignity. Joining Fuh are Ouma Ba & Yumba Kakhobwe who respond to the address as well as questions from the audience at the recently held Bergen Exchanges on Law Social Transformation. The keynote was chaired by Satang Nabaneh. Fuh argues that the decolonial movement in South Africa has shifted its focus from the decolonisation of knowledge to addressing the suffering and inequality experienced by poor black South Africans. He introduces the concept of "sh*t" to emphasise the suffering and predicament of poor black South Africans living in shacks and townships while the white population experiences growing opulence. Fuh emphasises the importance of recognising and acknowledging suffering as a catalyst for the decolonial project. He discusses the concept of "seeing" suffering, which involves empathy, transformation, and understanding. He also discusses the challenges in conceptualising suffering, especially when different languages and conceptual frameworks have limited vocabulary for it. Fuh views decolonisation as an exercise in human dignity and suggests embracing concepts like conviviality, rethinking the human, and ethical cohabitation to address inequalities and find new ways of thinking. He argues that breaking free from dominant conceptual regimes is essential to understanding and addressing suffering and inequality effectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the decolonial movement, human rights, and the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. Subscribe to Unequal Worlds on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to let us know what you think! *************************************************** ⁠GRIP Newsletter⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ - ⁠Facebook ⁠- ⁠Instagram ⁠ ***************************************************

This episode of the Unequal Worlds explores how labour unions can address inequality, especially in the context of authoritarian regimes. Elina Troscenko (GRIP, University of Bergen) moderates a panel discussion during the 2023 Bergen Exchanges on Law & Social Transformation. The panel is comprised of three scholars from different parts of the world: Volodymyr Artiukh (University of Oxford, UK) Çağatay Edgücan Şahin (University of Ordu, Turkey) Kerstin Hamann (University of Central Florida, USA) The scholars share insights and perspectives on the conditions of labour in their respective contexts, focusing on labour mobilisation against authoritarian regimes, the challenges faced by labour unions, and the strategies they employ. They discuss issues such as labour rights, unionisation rates, collective bargaining, and the effectiveness of unions in influencing political change. The scholars also touch upon the potentialities and shortcomings of labour unions in changing political realities and addressing inequality. They discuss the different strategies and repertoires of resistance employed by unions and how they adapt to evolving political landscapes. They address questions about the democratic nature of unions and their role in promoting democracy in their respective countries. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in labour unions, inequality, and authoritarian regimes. It provides a nuanced and insightful look at the complex relationship between these three forces, and it highlights the importance of labor unions in the fight for social justice. *************************************************** ⁠GRIP Newsletter⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ - ⁠Facebook ⁠- ⁠Instagram ⁠ ***************************************************

In this episode, we speak with Divine Fuh, an anthropologist and professor at the University of Cape Town. The conversation revolves around knowledge-based inequality and African knowledge systems - canvassing historical, contemporary and future challenges. Divine discusses the need to decolonise these systems, the role of African youth, and the potential they hold for addressing global issues like climate change, poverty, and inequality. We also explore the importance of reshaping education and research to embrace African knowledge. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in African knowledge systems, decoloniality, and the future of Africa. *************************************************** ⁠GRIP Newsletter⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ - ⁠Facebook ⁠- ⁠Instagram ⁠ ***************************************************

Dive into the world of socialism and labour movements in the GRIP Annual Lecture 2023. Join us for an enlightening discussion as esteemed global labour historian Marcel van der Linden takes the stage to share invaluable insights into the historical trajectories of socialist and labour movements. In this inaugural lecture, delivered on May 31, van der Linden provides a deep exploration of the challenges faced by these movements and the strategic choices they have made throughout history. Engage with van der Linden's vast knowledge and research as he unravels the complexities of 200 years of socialism. Joining the conversation are renowned scholars Göran Therborn, Svati Shah, and Ernesto Semán, who provide insightful commentary, further enriching the lecture. Together, they offer a comprehensive understanding of the past and present dilemmas of socialist and labour movements. Don't miss this thought-provoking lecture that sheds light on the historical lessons that can guide the future of socialism. Tune in to the GRIP Annual Lecture 2023 and deepen your understanding of socialism and labour movements. *************************************************** GRIP Newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  ***************************************************

Join host Wesley Maraire in a captivating episode of "Unequal Worlds" as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Max Lawson from Oxfam. In this podcast, they explore Oxfam's report on global inequality, wealth disparities, and the urgent need for systemic change. The episode begins by delving into the key findings of the report, highlighting the alarming escalation of wealth concentration among billionaires, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They shed light on the disproportionate distribution of wealth, with the richest 1% accumulating an overwhelming share while poverty rates increase globally. Max Lawson presents a compelling case against billionaires, questioning their legitimacy and advocating for their abolition due to the harm their concentration of power and resources inflicts on society and the planet. The discussion covers the responses of billionaires, examples of extreme inequality, and the absence of the term "capitalism" in the report. They also address the impact of COVID-19 on wealth disparities, emphasising the disastrous consequences for developing countries and the unequal access to vaccines. The episode concludes with the understanding that while COVID-19 exacerbated wealth disparities, the core issue lies in the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few, necessitating systemic change to address global inequality. Tune in to this compelling episode of "Unequal Worlds" as Wesley Maraire and Max Lawson challenge wealth concentration, advocate for progressive taxation, and explore the path towards a fairer and more equitable world. *************************************************** GRIP Newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  ***************************************************

If you're looking for insight into the global crisis of inequality, this episode of Unequal Worlds is a must-listen. Host Wesley Maraire interviews Katja Hujo, a senior research coordinator at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, about their flagship report, "Crisis of Inequality, Shifting Power for a New Social Contract." Hujo shares her thoughts on the systemic and structural challenges that perpetuate inequality and proposes eco-social policies as a way forward. The episode covers everything from the need for a new social contract to the contentious inclusion of a goal on reducing inequality in Agenda 2030. Hujo also discusses the report's proposed seven principles for building a new ecological social contract, which are based on the analysis of past and present social contracts. Along the way, she touches on many topics related to inequality, including citizen engagement, political processes, and community-level processes. The conversation also explores some of the challenges associated with implementing these ideas and the need for a deliberative process at different levels. The report calls for global citizens to hold governments and other actors accountable for their promises and commitments to ensure progress is made towards a new eco-social contract that prioritises justice and sustainability. If you're interested in learning more about this important issue, be sure to check out this thought-provoking episode of Unequal Worlds. *************************************************** GRIP newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  ***************************************************

In this episode of Unequal Worlds, host Wesley Maraire interviews Vivian Price, a professor of interdisciplinary studies in the Department of Arts and Humanities at California State University. Vivian discusses her background in blue-collar jobs, her interest in film-making, and her involvement in making documentaries about women construction workers, migrant workers, and the intersection of labor and climate change. The conversation centers around just transition, which entails addressing the impacts of transitioning to a greener economy on workers, communities, and the economy. The episode includes discussions on the importance of including representatives from different communities in the negotiations, the role of the state in addressing inequality, and the value of strong unions. The conversation also explores the challenges faced by countries heavily dependent on oil and the possibility of unions and oil companies working together to mitigate the risks of workers losing their jobs. The episode concludes with the importance of listening to workers and recognising their stake in the green transition. *************************************************** GRIP newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  ***************************************************

In this episode of Unequal Worlds, we explore the topic of citizenship and its current state in diverse political contexts. The episode was recorded at a Breakfast Seminar at Bergen Global as part of the joint GRIP and Chr. Michelsens Institute (CMI) project Political Protests and New Forms of Citizenship. The discussants included Mari Norbakk from CMI and Giorgi Cheishvili from Tbilisi State University, moderated by Elina Troscenko from GRIP. Citizenship is in crisis due to the rise of populist and authoritarian governments, and its inability to tackle challenges such as climate change, refugee crisis, and the pandemic. The commodification of citizenship and the closure of spaces for protest have also raised concerns among scholars. However, large-scale political protests are taking place, challenging authorities in instances where they seem to be losing legitimacy and people's trust. Citizenship may appear static, but it is constantly negotiated. The panelists shed light on different practices and understandings of citizenship in diverse political contexts, and how the dynamics of negotiating the relationship between the state and society take place under different political regimes. The episode reveals how people are maneuvering a changing landscape and changing relations between the state and the people by drawing on examples from mainly Qatar, Egypt and Georgia and with references to Bahrain and Latvia. The Panel: Giorgi Cheishvili is a social anthropologist and his research covers topics such as state, nationalism, citizenship and borders. He has conducted extensive ethnographic research in Georgia and Turkey. He holds a PhD in social anthropology from the University of Bergen (Norway) and is currently a visiting lecturer at Tbilisi State University (Georgia). Mari Norbakk is social anthropologist at Chr. Michelsens Institute and her work is focused on the Middle East, specifically Egypt and Qatar as well as migrant communities in Norway. Research interests include masculinities, marriage, gender, women’s rights, revolutionary practice, class, capital and migration. Elina Troscenko (moderator) is the Head of the GRIP Secretariat. In her academic work she has been focusing on Soviet legacies in the Baltics, the Caucasus and Central Asia exploring issues relating to borders, citizenship and bureaucratic practices of the state in relation to marginalized populations. *************************************************** GRIP newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  ***************************************************

This episode’s guest is dr Zarina Patel, Associate Professor of Human Geography in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town. In conversation with GRIP’s Maria Bakke Ulvesæter, dr Patel discusses, among other things; the ways urban developments can be just and sustainable; epistemic inequalities and the importance of trans-disciplinary work; the significance of Africa’s future urban development; and how urban development and inequality are intrinsically linked. Dr Patel’s research addresses the politics and practices of achieving just and sustainable urban transitions. The distinctive focus of her scholarship is the use of transdisciplinary approaches to navigate alternate insights and responses to complex urban issues in southern contexts. Mentioned in this episode: Research and knowledge centre Mistra Urban Futures The New African Urban University *************************************************** GRIP newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  ***************************************************

This episode is a recording of GRIP affiliate Svati Shah's keynote at the 2022 Bergen Exchanges. Here, Dr Shah sets the issues of gender, land rights and political enfranchisement as well as postcolonial queer and trans theory into the broader context of anti-democratic governance and battles over historical memory in India.  Svati Shah is a feminist anthropologist who works on questions of sexuality, gender, migration and caste capitalism in India. They hold adjunct appointments in the Departments of Anthropology and Afro-American Studies at UMass-Amherst. Dr Shah’s ethnographic monograph, Street Corner Secrets: Sex, Work and Migration in the City of Mumbai, discussed sex work as an aspect of labour migration that is mediated by the politics of space, urbanization and caste. They are currently researching the rise of authoritarianism and the histories of new left social movements, queer feminist critique, and anthropology in South Asia. You can read more about Svati Shah and their work at their webpage: Svati P. Shah  This event was a part of the LawTransform Queer Lawfare seminar series (sponsored by Fritt Ord), a collaboration with GRlP (Global Research Programme on Inequality), Centre on Law & Social Transformation and Centre for Women’s and Gender Research at UiB. *************************************************** GRIP newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  ***************************************************

We are happy to be able to share a recording of this keynote session with you as an episode of our podcast Unequal Worlds. This keynote address was given by Prof. Leandro Rodriguez Medina (Department of Sociology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Azcapotzalco, Mexico) and entitled: “On epistemic decentralization: challenges for knowledge infrastructures”. GRIP affiliate Dr. Susanne Koch (STS Department/Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy, Technical University of Munich) together with Prof. Nelius Boshoff (Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology, Stellenbosch University) convened the workshop “Science as a Site of Inequality: An Exploratory Workshop for Sharing Evidence and Experience from Environment-Related Research Fields” (11.–13. May 2022). The hybrid event brought together scholars from all across the world to discuss how science itself is shaped by inequality – and how it could become a more inclusive space of knowledge production. The workshop was hosted by the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studyand funded by the DFG Programme Point Sud. If you are interested in hearing more from the workshop, you are welcome to listen to this talk given by Nelius and Susanne as part of the CWTS Diversity and Inclusion Seminar Series. Keynote: Leandro Rodriguez Medina Moderator: Susanne Koch *************************************************** GRIP newsletter Twitter - Facebook - Instagram  *************************************************** Cover photo by Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash