WHOLE NUMBERS AND HALF TRUTHS
WHAT DATA CAN AND CANNOT TELL US ABOUT MODERN INDIA
- 348 páginas
- 13 horas de lectura
How do you see India? The country’s growth is marked by urbanization and a burgeoning middle class, alongside progressive young voters who transcend identity politics. Yet, it grapples with a population explosion and rising crimes against women. In 2020, annual population growth fell below 1 percent, with only 31 percent of Indians residing in cities and just 5 percent living outside their birthplace. A 2016 survey revealed that only 4 percent of young married respondents had spouses from different caste groups, while over 45 percent of voters prioritized candidates from their own caste in elections. Many reported sexual assaults stem from consensual relationships deemed unacceptable by families. Notably, spending over Rs 8,500 a month places one in the top 5 percent of urban India. Rukmini S., a data-journalism pioneer, leverages nearly two decades of reporting to present a nuanced picture of India, challenging common perceptions. Despite the vast amount of data available, it often remains inaccessible and underutilized in public discourse. By combining fresh data, expert interviews, and insights from everyday citizens, she reveals what the numbers say about the nation. As she examines the interplay of data and social-political dynamics, Rukmini offers a framework for understanding recent changes and future trends—providing a vital resource for comprehending India today.
