@article{ART003285094},
author={Hyun Chul Maeng},
title={Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways},
journal={Asia Review},
issn={2234-0386},
year={2025},
volume={15},
number={3},
pages={93-127}
TY - JOUR
AU - Hyun Chul Maeng
TI - Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways
JO - Asia Review
PY - 2025
VL - 15
IS - 3
PB - 아시아연구소
SP - 93
EP - 127
SN - 2234-0386
AB - This study explores the potential of esports as a new channel for social mobility in India, a society characterized by deep-seated caste-based inequalities. While traditional avenues such as higher education and professional cricket often reproduce structural hierarchies through family wealth, educational background, English proficiency, and cultural capital, esports may provide a more open and skill-oriented arena. Drawing on literature reviews and in-depth interviews with first-generation and active professional gamers, this study examines whether similar socioeconomic constraints operate within the Indian esports scene. The findings suggest that the mobile-centered esports ecosystem allows players from diverse social and educational backgrounds to achieve success through ability and effort, without substantial financial or familial support. Compared to conventional institutions, esports appears to offer relatively fair opportunities for economic and social advancement. Although this study is limited due to its small and selective sample, it holds significance as an exploratory attempt to understand how digital industries may reshape the structure of opportunity and inequality in contemporary India.
KW - Esports;India;Fairness;Social Mobility;Qualitative Research
DO -
UR -
ER -
Hyun Chul Maeng. (2025). Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways. Asia Review, 15(3), 93-127.
Hyun Chul Maeng. 2025, "Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways", Asia Review, vol.15, no.3 pp.93-127.
Hyun Chul Maeng "Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways" Asia Review 15.3 pp.93-127 (2025) : 93.
Hyun Chul Maeng. Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways. 2025; 15(3), 93-127.
Hyun Chul Maeng. "Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways" Asia Review 15, no.3 (2025) : 93-127.
Hyun Chul Maeng. Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways. Asia Review, 15(3), 93-127.
Hyun Chul Maeng. Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways. Asia Review. 2025; 15(3) 93-127.
Hyun Chul Maeng. Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways. 2025; 15(3), 93-127.
Hyun Chul Maeng. "Esports in India and Fair Opportunities for Social Mobility: A Comparison with Existing Pathways" Asia Review 15, no.3 (2025) : 93-127.
