The Decline of the Indian Middle-Class Economy: A Socio-Political and Cultural Analysis

The Indian middle class, once considered the backbone of economic progress and social mobility, is facing a significant decline due to various socio-political and cultural factors. This paper explores the impact of caste, patriarchy, politics, capitalism, social media, imitation, culture, and religion on the middle-class economy in India. By analysing these interconnected aspects, we aim to understand the structural challenges and policy implications that contribute to this decline. The research highlights the increasing economic disparity, the stagnation of real wages, and the role of digital transformation in reshaping middle-class aspirations and consumption patterns