Middle-class Groups Research Articles

Relevance of IPR in Small Businesses

Small businesses in India have always been one of the major occupations in rural as well as urban terrain and they are major source of income for the middle class group. As urbanization has increased the demand for the small services like grocery shops, bakeries, vegetable shops, laundry shops, juice centers, sweet shops, small hotels etc. Majorly the urban population is a mix of all the classes of people but a considerable portion is occupied by the middle and low income group, which has resulted in requirement of small services, and retail shops. As of a result of which the small businesses mushroom in the different localities, in different sizes so that they can cater to all the segments of consumers. Small business organizations contribute to the economy significantly by distributing the finished goods to the ultimate consumers, and they also create jobs in smaller units. The large business organizations contribute to economy by creating jobs in a bulk, economies of scale. The large scale organizations have the accessibility to hire legal professionals like legal advisers and naturally they give the suggestions on legal aspects for a smooth conduct of the business. In this context large or medium sized organizations have proximity to legal protection for their inventions, design, copyrights, trademarks etc, and they consciously protect their rights by patents or trademark and so on. In this article we have made an attempt to understand the extent of application of IPR in small and micro businesses.

An Exploratory Study on Role of Direct Selling Agent towards Bank and Customer with Specific Reference to Home Loan Services in Punjab

DSA (Direct Selling Agent) that agent who involves in the process of grants home loan from the bank or NBFC to the potential customer. DSA’s job outline is create leads, documentation, cross checking. This study explains role and responsibility of DSA towards bank and customers, awareness of DSA services of the different banks and NBFC among the potential customer, challenges faced by the customer for the approval of home loan and challenges faced by the DSA at the time of process home loan application. In this study the researcher has to implement both primary data and secondary data complete this paper. The primary data deals with raw data collected through questionnaire to the respondents related with their level of disbursement of housing loan. The secondary data consists of reports of existing customers from the banks and NBFC. Pass the housing loan by banks and NBFC provides a boost for the growth and development of house construction industries. Now a time lack of knowledge among individuals related with banking products of all types of banks at one time. In case home loan customer wants to take loan according to their requirements for example lower rate of interest, Type of banks, credit score for transparency and clarity of about loan terms. There are many problems discussed already in previous studies such as different cost of borrowing, collateral security, processing time, proof of income, documentation and margin money. These problems studied by the previous researcher described in the section of the literature review. In view of the above things, it is necessary to conduct a research study to fill these gaps that have been depicted as research problem. The respondents for this research who belong to upper class, middle class or lower-class groups and lived in Patiala city or zones of Patiala. Keywords satisfaction level of customer, Responsibility of Direct selling agent, Challenges faced by DSA

Recovering the Dalit Public Sphere: Vernacular Liberalism in Late Colonial North India

AbstractDrawing from publications by Swami Achutanand and the Adi-Hindu Mahasabha press between 1916 and 1940, this article examines the role of this north Indian Dalit organization in creating language and categories of liberalism in the Hindi vernacular. The Mahasabha poet-activists published numerous song-booklets in a variety of Hindi song genres to intervene in ongoing discussions on the subjects of representation and equality which they characterized as mulki-haq and unch-niche. Histories of liberties in late colonial India have typically examined its emergence within dominant Hindu and Muslim middle-class groups. This article uncovers the unique contributions of Dalit poet-activists who recognized the value of liberal ideas and institutions in challenging caste and abolishing “Manu’s Kanun” (lawgiver Manu’s Hindu law codes). It highlights the methodological importance of mohalla (neighborhood) sources usually located in Dalit activists’ houses in untouchable quarters. The chapbooks found in mohalla collections have enabled the writing of a new history of the Mahasabha’s activism and of the initiatives taken by poet-activists in founding a new Dalit politics in northern India. I explore the emergence of a Dalit literate public which sustained the activities of the Mahasabha and which responded with enthusiasm to its articulation of the new social identity of Achut (untouched) and a new political identity of Adi-Hindus—original inhabitants of Hindustan (India). Offering a new methodological approach in using mohalla sources and song-booklets composed in praise of liberal institutions, this essay makes a significant contribution to the recovery of a forgotten Dalit public sphere in early twentieth-century India.

Interplay of Socio-Communal Dynamics and Political Influences: Shaping Higher Education Policy in Kerala

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Kerala's education sector, focusing on its achievements, challenges, and the intricate nexus of politics. Kerala is renowned for its advanced education system, high literacy rates and nearly universal primary education. However, disparities persist in higher education, exacerbated by politicization and issues related to social justice. The political landscape in Kerala is deeply intertwined with its education sector, with caste and communal factors influencing governance and policy decisions. The emergence of influential middle-class groups and communal organizations has led to challenges like corruption and nepotism in private educational institutions. Campus politics further exacerbates these issues, limiting academic freedom and governance. Despite advocacy for social justice in higher education policy, disparities among vulnerable groups persist. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, educational institutions, and civil society. Strengthening governance mechanisms, promoting inclusivity, and fostering academic freedom are essential for achieving a more equitable education system in Kerala.

Place-oriented digital agency: Residents’ use of digital means to enhance neighbourhood change

The smart city literature mostly focusses on digital initiatives from above. However, digitalisation also reshapes the city from below. Residents use digital means and platforms to empower their agency in the city. This paper aims to explore how residents utilise digital tools to activate their agency and influence local politics. The paper focusses on one neighbourhood in the city of Tel Aviv where different groups of residents struggle to promote their desired political-spatial vision. The main question is whether digitalisation produces new forms of agency on the neighbourhood scale. The paper argues that: (1) digitalisation provides residents with new forms of connective action, creating digital networks at different scales, using representational practices and forming new spaces for political negotiation; (2) through these practices, they manage to influence the symbolic and political status of the neighbourhood and reframe the struggle over its character and future; (3) groups with higher digital agency gain wider visibility of their claims and needs with politicians, the media and public officials. Importantly, this does not only serve middle-class groups. (4) Ultimately, residents become predominant political actors through digital agency. Methodologically, this paper includes two methods: (i) interviews with residents and municipal workers and (ii) social media analysis and online ethnography. The conclusion elaborates the concept of place-oriented digital agency as a particular type of agency aimed at determining change in a specific locale.

Middle-class occupations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: impact factors and policy implications

ABSTRACT After 1975, Vietnam experienced a series of dramatic changes in social class structure, and these changes continue to have strong impacts in the present period. A significant change is the emergence of a growing middle-class, and this class tends to have an essential role in economic development, as seen in many countries around the world (ADB, 2011). However, studies of the theoretical significance of the middle-class exploring practical applications of the concept in Vietnam are still quite limited. By integrating quantitative and qualitative research, this article analyses the characteristics and factors affecting the occupation of middle-class groups in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).

Identifying the Socioeconomic and Demographic factors affecting the Maternal health care and delivery types of Santal women’s of Dinajpur, Bangladesh

Utilization of maternal healthcare properly is an important factor to reduce maternal mortality and infant mortality. This study was conducted to see the knowledge and practice regarding maternal healthcare (MHC) among santal women of Dinajpur. Santal are one of the largest tribal group of Bangladesh mainly living in Rangpur and Rajshahi division. They have their own culture and language. In this study 209 santal women having at least one child of age less than 5 years has been interviewed. Due to restricted sampling unit and lack of sampling frame, connivance sampling has been used for selecting sample from different region of Dinajpur district. It has been found from the study that 23.9% respondents gets married within 15 years and the majorities (63.3%) get married at age group 15 to 20 years. Maximum women experience their first baby birth in the age group 15 to 20 years which is 57.4%. About one third of the respondents had experienced a pregnancy that miscarried or ended by a stillbirth. Among the respondents 81.3% was hearted about menstruation before they enter in this group and almost half of the total respondents took part in a program arranged by NGO about maternal health care awareness. Almost 50% of the total respondents give birth in NGO sector. From the bivariate analysis it has been found that type of delivery has significant association with respondent current age, age at first birth and at age marriage. Also the place of delivery and respondent education level has significant association with type of delivery. From the binary logistic regression it has been found that lower middle class and middle class groups has higher chance of caesarean delivery than the poor group. Also, the respondents who get married or give birth their first baby after more than 25 years has higher rate of caesarean delivery than the reference group less than 15 years.

To Assess the Knowledge and Determinants Associated with Blood Donor at National Medical College & Teaching Hospital, Birgunj

Introduction: In clinical practice, the two most crucial systems of blood grouping are ABO and Rh. There exist four primary blood types, namely A, B, AB and O. World Health Organization advocates for the compulsory screening of all blood donations prior to usage, with HIV, hepatitis B and C, as well as syphilis being mandatory. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and determinants associated with blood donors at National Medical College & Teaching Hospital, Birgunj.Materials and Methods: Proposal was reviewed by the Institutional Review Committee of National Medical College and approved on 9th July 2023. (Ref. F-NMC/662/079-080). A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the blood donation programs organized in the premises of National Medical College. Sampling method used was census.Results: Of the total particiants, 41.3 % were overweight followed by 39.1 % who showed the normal weight and 7.6 % of the people were found to be underweight. The upper middle-class group accounted for 71.7 % of the total respondents, knowledge about how frequently a person can donate the blood were in 38(41.31%), the volume of blood collected in one pint at the time of donation was 33(35.86%), time taken nearly 5-8 minutes were 64 (69.56%). Among the donors 17(18.47%) had donated for first time in their life similarly for second time and more than three times were 38(41.31%), 38(41.31%), 26(28.26%) and 11(11.95%), respectively.Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge was satisfactory. Male participants had more practice regarding blood donation rather than females. Community shall be benefited by similar set up as made by health workers, blood bank and hospital.

Class Conflict and Spatial Domination in the Neoliberal City

Abstract This article analyzes spatial domination in middle-classed spaces—the spaces that cater to the dispositions, status, and lifestyle ideals of middle-class groups—of the neoliberal city. Grounded in interdisciplinary scholarship on the neoliberal city, the article introduces a typology of middle-classed spaces, which maps out different combinations of cross-class hostility and cordiality in dynamics of spatial domination. Through an extended case study of a new upscale neighborhood bordering a slum area in a southern Brazilian city, the article unveils the socio-historic conditions that inform the localized cross-class relations and situate it in the spatial typology. With the support of a semiotic square, the article then identifies, relates, and analyzes the hostile (“takeover” and “repression”) and cordial (“makeover” and “concession”) spatial practices by which dominant agents produce one specific type of middle-classed space. Through these practices, dominant agents improve the status, experience, and market value of the neighborhood for target upper-middle-class consumers, while further disenfranchising the poor from its spaces—effectively reproducing deep-rooted historical patterns of social exclusion. This study extends research on status consumption and spatiality while also adding insights into the role of the state in consumption and market dynamics.

Hypermarketization: standardized shopping in emerging economies

ABSTRACT A hypermarket is a combined supermarket and department store that carries a large range of products. Since the opening of the first hypermarket in the US in the early 1930s, this concept has spread globally. Nowhere is this trend more visible than in India, now the world’s most populous country with a middle class that will expectedly grow to 800 million in 2030. This paper coins the theory of hypermarketization to explain why and how the hypermarket as a globalized form signifies the full integration of liberalization, retail and middle-class consumer culture in emerging markets. The argument that hypermarketization marks the point when successful economies in the Global South mature and then qualify as emerging markets is based on empirical material from fieldwork on vegetarianism and meat in hypermarkets and among middle-class groups in South India, namely participant observation and interviewing.

The growth of different spaces of middle-classness in Greater Maputo: A methodological approach for assessing processes of this urban transformation

In Sub-Saharan Africa, following recent macro-economic expansion, the growth of what was a relatively small middle-class has had a significant effect on urban development. In Mozambique, middle-class growth is still difficult to evaluate, since quantitative data and related research in this domain are limited. However, there have been considerable changes in urban discourse and development praxis in the country: measures directed to middle-class groups have gained more preponderance in housing strategies and land use planning activity; and, in Greater Maputo, urban development related to the growth of middle-class has become more visible.The identification and analysis of ongoing spatial transformation related to such urban discourses and praxis, and their impact on the majority of the population with lower incomes, is hampered by the still vague understanding of the middle-class in this context. This paper reflects on the possibilities and limitations of a methodological approach to identify middle-classness based on a spatial proxy, which was developed to analyse the peri-urban transformations on Greater Maputo associated with the growth of the middle-class (2016–2018). The paper argues that this methodology can potentially provide an understanding of how spatial manifestations of middle-classness can be identified and thus permit evaluation of their influence on urban transformation.

Assessing regional convergence of the size of middle classes in Euro-Mediterranean countries

ABSTRACT Historically, Euro-Mediterranean European countries have presented high levels of intra- and interregional socio-economic inequalities and are regular recipients of financial support under European Union Cohesion Policy. This paper provides evidence of regional convergence in the size of lower- and upper-middle-income classes across regions of France, Greece, Italy and Spain for the period 2004–17. Our results also reveal that changes in class size in neighbouring regions are associated with changes in the same direction in the lower- and upper-middle classes of the region of interest. As regards growth of class size in neighbouring regions, the convergence process is offset in both middle-income groups, but only partially for the upper-middle class. Furthermore, the economic cycle affects the process of regional convergence in the size of the middle class, although the effects are non-homogeneous for both middle-class groups. While increases or decreases in gross domestic product (GDP) do not seem to be closely related to upper-middle-class size, relatively persistent decreases rather than increases in GDP over time tend to be more linked to lower-middle-class size. These findings point to significant differences in the convergence dynamics between lower- and upper-middle classes, with the former being more sensitive to both neighbouring regions and the business cycle.

Small-Scale Socio-Economic Conditions and Residential Segregation: Evidence from the Municipalities Across the Metropolitan Region of Attica

Residential segregation gained a new momentum after the turn of the new century. The pace of urbanization that has been observed over the last two decades has been proceeding hand in hand with the increasing residential segregation in large cities and metropolitan areas. The international literature is flourishing with studies on residential segregation. This paper investigates residential segregation trends in the Metropolitan Region of Attica during the period 2004-2019. The analysis is based on a database combining individual household data from the EU-SILC, as well as data from official national sources. The paper applies the Dissimilarity Index for measuring residential segregation trends based on occupation, education and living conditions, before, during and after the economic crisis. We also use the Gini index for comparing income inequality with residential segregation trends. Our analysis shows that between 2004 and 2019, residential segregation intensified between the top and bottom socio-economic groups, whilst an inclusive trend has been recorded between middle-class groups and the other two categories. The results do not suggest any similar patterns between residential segregation and income inequality. The evidence derived from this study is relevant to public policy, inclusive growth and development.

The Chinese new middle class and their production of an ‘authentic’ rural landscape in China’s gentrified villages

Landscape change has long been a key characteristic of gentrification research. While much of this research has examined the intention of the middle class to consume authenticity and the consequent landscape changes in gentrified neighborhoods in the Global North, much less attention has been given to contexts in the developing world. This paper addresses this gap by discussing an empirical case of the rural landscape produced by Rural Tourism Makers (RTMs) – a group of new middle class– in China. This research is based on participant observation and twenty-three interviews with RTMs running Minsu guesthouses, a type of tourist accommodation involving the skilled renovation of existing village buildings. To illustrate the empirical nuances, the research draws insights from two perspectives on landscape, namely the symbolic landscape and the lived landscape, to show how RTMs have produced a new rural landscape of local and global characteristics and to examine the authenticity of these landscapes. In so doing, the research enriches our knowledge of gentrification in a non-Western context by analyzing a gentrified rural landscape in the Chinese context, produced by the emerging Chinese new middle class and their westernized consumption preferences. Meanwhile, the authenticity of this new rural landscape, which is based on RTMs’ expectations and imagination, strengthens the constructionist view of authenticity in gentrification studies.

The Spatial Dimension of Social Stratification in Germany—Are Social Class Differentials in Place of Residence Increasing?

It is widely assumed that post-industrial societies are characterized not only by growing economic inequalities and social polarization but also by increasing spatial segregation. This paper does not address residential segregation (i.e., “intra-city” inequalities), but instead investigates how social classes are distributed over different settlement types and whether class differences in places of residence have increased between 1996 and 2018. Based on microcensus data and applying the ESeC class schema, we focus on the question of whether members of the “new middle class” are increasingly concentrated in post-industrial metropolises while members of the “old middle class” largely reside in peripheral towns and regions. The results do not support the assumption that spatial disparities between classes have systematically increased in Germany. However, opposing trends in the likelihood of residing in the most dynamic cluster of the German metropolises are observed for the youngest age group of the new middle class and the oldest age group of the old middle class.

Displaced By Words: How Does Media Impact Gentrification?


 To put it simply, gentrification is a process where capital investment in a previously neglected area leads to the influx and eventual takeover of middle-class groups, displacing the original working-class residents in the area during the process. This research paper is a literature review that discusses the background of gentrification, how it is portrayed and facilitated by the media, and how it could be countered through media. I specifically examined different forms of media that can either facilitate or counteract gentrification, while closely relating these examinations with societal factors of class and race. Overall, the media has an affirmative role in gentrification, with some forms more so than others. This can be largely attributed to the fact that mainstream media typically supports the stance of the middle class, which is the primary gentrifier in the process of gentrification. The media can also be used to combat gentrification, both for promoting anti-gentrification movements and for identifying gentrification. However, there are significant challenges in these methods that are yet to be fully overcome.

Local–Digital Activism: Place, Social Media, Body, and Violence in Changing Urban Politics

Recent studies demonstrate how violence, social media, and protest intertwine. This article complements this body of knowledge and indicates how social media enables new modes of small-scale protest events and how it is being used by right-wing and middle-class groups to influence urban politics. The article conceptualizes local-digital activism as a particular form of protest that is based on a hybrid framework of action that entangles physical actions in public space with virtual acts of dissent, creating embodied digital activism in specific locales. The key arguments are threefold: (1) local–digital activism initiates a particular framework of action that is embedded in digital culture and can be used by different ideological groups. (2) The approach to place in this type of dissent is central and manifold, with physical and virtual spaces codefining one another. (3) Triggering violent encounters and using violent representations in place is strategic and intentional, a means to expand visibility on digital platforms. Empirically the article analyses two groups in South Tel Aviv, presenting their protest strategies and tactical use of place, digitization, violence, and the body in creating the iconography of the “other in the place.” The study is based on geographic and ethnographic work, in-depth interviews ( N = 24) with various actors, and social media content analysis (videos = 72, posts = 210). The final discussion addresses the characteristics of local-digital activism and its role in urban political struggles and offers paths for future research.

A STUDY OF PREVALENCE ON MATERNAL MORTALITY IN COVID-19

Introduction On march 11, 2020, WHO officially announced that COVID 19 has become global pandemic . Most of the studies available on COVID 19 have evaluated the impact of the disease in general population and there are insufficient data on COVID 19 in pregnancy. Pregnant women are more susceptible to acquired viral respiratory infection and severe pneumonia due to physiological changes in immune and cardiopulmonary system during pregnancy COVID 19 infection in pregnancy more likely present as mild symptomatic infection or it may be asymptomatic and the risk of COVID 19 infection for pregnant women may be SARS or middle east respiratory syndrome. Aims And Objectives Aim: Objective TO audit maternal mortality due to COVID 19 : To estimate the prevalence of maternal mortality due to COVID 19 infection in obstetrics patients. A cross sectional study was conducted from Materials And Methodology January 1st 2020 to May 30 2022 at GOVERNMENT GENERAL HOSPITAL ,GUNTUR, a tertiary care centre. During study period all pregnant women and antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum who were diagnosed to have COVID 19 infection by RTPCR or RAPID ANTIGEN TEST positive were considered. Out of 942 cases of COVID 19 recorded Results throughout the study period, the prevelance of maternal mortality is 3.3% (32 cases) According to age wise distribution, 37.5% in 20-25 years age group, 56.25% in 25-30 years age group, 6.2% in 30-35years age group. According to BMI 15.6% deaths in 18.5 -24.9, 59.3% deaths in 25-29.9 group, 25% deaths in 30-34.9 group. According to socioeconomic status 50% in lower SCS, 40.6% in lower middle class group, 9.3% in upper middle class group According to gestational age wise distribution 28% in 24-30 weeks of GA, 46.8% in 32-36 weeks of GA , 25% in 35 and above and postpartum. According to CT severity score number of deaths are 90.6% if score greater than 16, 9.3% with score of 8-15, 0% with score of less than 7. Based on investigations D-dimer elevated in 100% of death cases, serum ferritin elevated in 68.7% of death cases , CRP elevated in 93.7% of death cases

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Participatory Budgeting and the Quest for Empowered Participatory Governance

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a welcome democratic innovation because it promises to empower traditionally marginalized groups and create more equitable public spending. PB delegates public authority to neighborhood residents to propose and decide on projects to fund with tax dollars. Does PB achieve a form of empowered participatory governance? This article examines this question by focusing on the degree to which PB engages marginalized groups in two Bay Area cities, using survey and interview data. We find that marginalized groups do participate, periodically at rates equal to their proportion of the population, and such groups appear to occasionally benefit materially from winning projects, though to a lesser extent. Effective outreach methods that contribute to these outcomes are highlighted. However, overall findings show that white middle-aged, middle-class groups participate most. Moreover, PB funds have been scaled back in both cities, limiting benefits and their potential to achieve PB’s equity goals. These results mirror outcomes in other jurisdictions. We conclude, nevertheless, with discussion of how PB’s institutional design, which if expanded and deepened, provides concrete pathways to achieve a promising form of empowered participatory governance with redistributive potential at the local level.

Relationship between COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Comorbidities of COVID-19 Patients Admitted at a Tertiary Medical College in Calicut District, Kerala

Abstract Background: Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a pivotal step in stopping the global pandemic. Knowledge regarding the relationship of vaccination status among comorbid COVID-19 patients would definitely provide more information. Objectives: The objective was to study the proportion of vaccination status among COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary medical college at Calicut district and to study the association of vaccination status with independent risk factors among COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary medical college at Calicut district, Kerala. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary medical college. The sample size calculated was 202 and the sampling technique used was consecutive sampling. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Results: In this study, the proportion of vaccination status among admitted COVID-19 patients was 65.8%. Sociodemographic variables comprising age, gender, religion, education, occupation, and per capita income were tested for association with the dependent variable. To socioeconomic classification, the upper middle-class group was associated with high vaccination status compared to other groups and the results were statistically significant. The relationship between vaccination status and comorbidities was tested and it found those patients who had no prior exposure to COVID-19 on anticoagulant therapy compared to the prior exposure group to anticoagulant therapy were associated with high vaccination status and the results were statistically significant. Conclusion and Recommendation: The present study shows that only 65% had taken COVID-19 vaccines previously. There should be further studies to know the reasons for barriers to the COVID-19 vaccination program.