Mapping religion, space and economic outcomes in Indian cities

Abstract

We deploy a socio-spatial approach and use a spatially representative survey that we conducted in the Indian cities of Hyderabad and Mumbai to analyse the relation between city space and religion. There are similarities and differences across these two cities in terms of how religion intersects with city space. While Muslims are much more marginalised in both cities relative to other communities like Hindus or Jains, and live in ghettos/enclaves, their position is relatively better in Mumbai. This is partly reflected in their higher integration with other religious communities in Mumbai and perhaps caused as well by this higher integration. A key finding on the relation between city space and religion is that compared to segregated neighbourhoods, mixed (‘greyer’) neighbourhoods produce better outcomes such as lower poverty and better education. This finding has significance for cities across the world as a way of assessing segregation and its harmful effects on economic development outcomes. We also argue that while Indian cities have become less integrated along religious lines over the last three to four decades, this process is both universal (i.e. relevant beyond the Indian context) and far from complete, and needs to be reversed.