Unequal Worlds; an inequality research podcast GRIP

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.



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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.



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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.


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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.




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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.


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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.



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