Why would a physics graduate not go into research, and instead opt for a BPO job? Pay. (glamor maybe a factor but lets count it as a tipping factor rather than a substantial one).

Ravi, Amit and others. If BPO jobs foster “underachievement” (read: require less skills – innate or ingrained) then why are physics research positions underpaid? Surely BPO jobs are not overpaid – I mean cost arbitrage is still the major factor in outsourcing. The answer is, yes again, lack of free markets – in Indian education – but I digress. So the answer is not to curb free markets in the BPO space, but to increase free market penetration in other spheres competing for a common labor pool.

And yes, I do agree with Ravi that India as a nation is losing out for lack of scientific research – atleast until the point whereby we can import technology and use “non-over-priced” labor (who decides the base for cheap and expensive labor anyway). But for that we need to open the system, rather than close opportunities for individuals and thereby infringe on their liberty – apparently thats not a crime at all for the Left as well as the Right – CPI-M to Shiv Sainiks.

True learning today means the capability to unlearn anything that has been rendered obsolete and relearn things you never thought you would need. I mean, come on, there are already doubts on Einstein’s theory of relativity being correct in its entirity. Isnt that proof enough that the time to go out and explore your choices and expand your horizons, especially for Indians, is RIGHT NOW?

As far as consumerism is concerned, its alive and thriving everywhere if you live in a staunchly capitalistic economy like the one here in New York and its vicinity. There is a culture of propaganda here that, consciously or unconsciously, drives every individual choice, often at the cost of health, sanity and peace of mind. I mean, if the influence of constant badgering from marketing was limited to certain areas, things would be ideal. But when your health choices, personal life and even morality is governed by what the media tells you, I think its time to sit up and reevaluate terms like consumerism.

Amit Verma writes about call centers in India and the working conditions there. He takes the contrarian view and says that call centers are not forcing a whole generation into slavery(as the common refrain goes). Nicely written. The comments are inte…

Ravi

1) How many research jobs are available to physics graduates, in the first place? It’s far more likely that the physics graduate is looking at unemployment/ clerical position in a bank versus a BPO…

2) Regardless, why blame the BPOs for a dearth of jobs for physics graduates?

It is a slightly different question that the ‘labor market’ correcting it with the ‘invisible hand of market?’ or what was the exact phrase that Adam Smith used and economists are so fond of using?

Amit, I like putting a few questions regarding capitalism, so that we do not become complecent, I enjoy captialsim because it usually comes with democracy and choices, but that doesn’t mean everything is hunkydory with it. Anyway, I already said a lot and thanks for not chasing me out with a broom. I am not sure, but this is probably my first prolonged interaction here.