A Sociological Analysis with Indian and Karnataka Perspectives

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in the 21st century, influencing economic production, governance, healthcare, education, and everyday social interaction. While AI promises efficiency, innovation, and economic growth, it also poses significant risks of deepening social inequality. This seminar paper examines how AI interacts with structural inequalities related to class, caste, gender, race, region, and global power hierarchies. Drawing on classical sociological theory, contemporary critical scholarship, and empirical case studies from India and Karnataka, the paper argues that AI is not socially neutral. Rather, it reflects and often amplifies existing power structures embedded in data, institutions, and markets. The study explores economic inequality, algorithmic bias, digital divide, educational disparity, health inequity, and global data colonialism. It further analyzes India’s digital governance initiatives, the role of the Unique Identification Authority of India, and Karnataka’s AI ecosystem centered in Bengaluru. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for inclusive AI governance aimed at reducing inequality and promoting social justice in the digital age.