By P Mohan Chandran
The Unsettling Questions
Where are we going? What trajectory is our society on when a PhD holder earns less than an auto driver? What does it say about us when we measure a person's worth not by their intellectual contributions but by the weight of their wallet? These are not merely rhetorical questions; they are a mirror reflecting the disquieting reality of our times.
The Dichotomy of Labor
In a world that ostensibly reveres knowledge, the paradox is glaring: intellectual labor is often undervalued compared to manual labor. The academic, who has spent years in rigorous study, often finds himself or herself at an economic disadvantage compared to those in manual professions. The auto driver, the mechanic, the cab driver—these are the new aristocrats in the economic hierarchy, often out-earning those who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge.
The Economics of Skill
One might argue that the marketplace is a ruthless evaluator of skills, rewarding those that are in high demand. Manual labor, being indispensable and immediate, commands a premium. But this argument is myopic. It fails to consider the long-term societal impact of devaluing intellectual labor. The intellectual worker contributes to the foundational structures of society—education, research, policy-making—areas whose impact may not be immediately tangible but are crucial for societal advancement.
The Exploitation Under the White Collar
Educational institutions, which should be the bastions of intellectual labor, are often the most egregious offenders. Cloaked in the garb of white-collar respectability, they exploit intellectual workers, offering them salaries that are incongruent with their qualifications and contributions. This exploitation is not just economic; it is existential, eroding the self-worth of individuals who have devoted their lives to intellectual pursuits.
The Moral Bankruptcy
The situation reveals a moral bankruptcy in our societal values. When money becomes the sole yardstick for measuring worth, we undermine not just the individual but the collective conscience. We create a society that is rich in material wealth but impoverished in intellectual depth, ethical values, and societal progress.
The Political Will—or Lack Thereof
Does the government have the political will to address this glaring inequity? While there are policies aimed at uplifting manual laborers, there is a conspicuous absence of frameworks that protect and promote intellectual workers. This is not just a policy failure; it is a failure of vision, a myopia that could have long-term repercussions on the intellectual health of the nation.
The Path Forward
So, what can be done to recalibrate this skewed balance? First, there needs to be a societal shift in how we perceive and value intellectual labor. Second, educational institutions must be held accountable for the fair treatment of intellectual workers. Third, policy interventions are needed to ensure that intellectual labor is adequately compensated and protected.
The Probing Conclusions
When will we, as a society, recognize the intrinsic value of intellectual labor? When will we stop this pernicious cycle of exploitation that not only devalues the individual but impoverishes our collective future? Are we willing to challenge the existing paradigms and advocate for a more equitable distribution of economic and social capital? These are the questions that we must grapple with if we are to forge a future that honors not just the wealth of the wallet but the wealth of the mind.
Do you agree that intellectual workers should be paid more than manual workers?
A. Yes, intellectual workers deserve more pay.
B. No, manual workers deserve more than knowledge workers.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
16092023
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