The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructures is transforming social, economic, and governance systems in India. This study examines how AI, algorithmic governance, and digital technologies are reconfiguring patterns of social stratification and inequality. Using a qualitative descriptive research design and secondary data sources, the study reviews scholarly literature, policy reports, and digital economy publications related to AI, social inequality, and digital transformation. The findings indicate that expanding digital infrastructure and AI adoption have created new opportunities for economic participation, education, and public service access. However, significant disparities persist due to unequal access to digital technologies, digital literacy, and technological skills. The study also highlights the risks of algorithmic bias and social exclusion affecting marginalized populations based on class, caste, gender, and geographic location. It concludes that while AI can promote development and social mobility, inclusive digital policies, ethical AI governance, and improved digital literacy are essential to ensure equitable participation in India's emerging algorithmic society.
Ojha, G. (2026). Algorithmic Society: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructures and the Reconfiguration of Social Stratification in India. International Journal of Advanced Research in Commerce, Management & Social Science, 09(02(IV)), 23–30. https://doi.org/10.62823/IJARCMSS/9.2(IV).9124
- Ali, L. F., & Ali, S. F. (2026). Digital Literacy as a Gateway to Lifelong Learning for Underprivileged Youth: Insights from a Case Study. IARS'International Research Journal, 16(1). https://researth.iars.info/index.php/curie/article/view/279
- Azarkievič, J. S., &Azarkievič, J. (2015). Social Stratification According to Marx and Weber: Comparison of the Theories and Modern Relevance. June, 22, 230-224. https://www.academia.edu/download/40805632/marx_weber.pdf
- Biradar, J., Deo, S., & Kaur, S. (2026). Rural–urban digital divide in India: a decomposition analysis. Journal of Social and Economic Development, 1-21. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40847-026-00500-0
- Demir, A. (2023). Three theories of social structure and inequality. Pioneer and Contemporary Studies in Social, Human and Administrative Sciences içinde, 87-107. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guler-Gunes-Aslan/publication/372134441_Refugee_Return_and_the_Role_of_Social_Work_Challenges_Support_and_Sustainable_Integration/links/64a5f78895bbbe0c6e16ca26/Refugee-Return-and-the-Role-of-Social-Work-Challenges-Support-and-Sustainable-Integration.pdf#page=88
- Gao, Y. (2025). AI-driven transformation in employment and labor income: A global analysis of workforce dynamics. Scientific Annals of Economics and Business, 72(2), 165-183. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1348667
- Gritsenko, D., & Wood, M. (2022). Algorithmic governance: A modes of governance approach. Regulation & Governance, 16(1), 45-62. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/rego.12367
- IBEF. (2024). Digital India to AI India: The next transformation wave. India Brand Equity Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.ibef.org/blogs/digital-india-to-ai-india-the-next-transformation-wave
- Issar, S., & Aneesh, A. (2022). What is algorithmic governance?. Sociology Compass, 16(1), e12955. https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/soc4.12955
- Kochenderfer, M. J., Wheeler, T. A., & Wray, K. H. (2022). Algorithms for decision making. MIT press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sLJaEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR19&dq=%E2%80%A2%09Role+of+algorithms+in+decision-making+processes&ots=itH0rgdUm1&sig=ZRGW6MZGV1NS00hdD6nRWz97HY0
- Kordzadeh, N., &Ghasemaghaei, M. (2022). Algorithmic bias: review, synthesis, and future research directions. European Journal of Information Systems, 31(3), 388-409. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0960085X.2021.1927212
- Kumar, S., Verma, A. K., & Mirza, A. (2024). Background of digital transformation and society. In Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence and Society: Opportunities and Challenges (pp. 1-22). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-97-5656-8_1
- Kumar, S., Verma, A. K., & Mirza, A. (2024). Digital transformation, artificial intelligence and society. Springer. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-981-97-5656-8.pdf
- Ministry of Communications (2024): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2040566&utm_source=chatgpt.com®=48&lang=2
- Moussawi, S., Deng, X., & Joshi, K. D. (2024). AI and discrimination: Sources of algorithmic biases. ACM SIGMIS Database: the DATABASE for Advances in Information Systems, 55(4), 6-11. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3701613.3701615
- Nyale, D., Karume, S., Kipkebut, A., &Mukudi, F. (2026). Digital skills landscape: A systematic review of current academic programs, industry demands, and the digital divide’s impact on graduate competencies. Industry and Higher Education, 40(2), 229-241. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09504222251370105
- Singh, B. P. (2026). Digital Governance and Public Participation: Assessing the Impact of E-Government Initiatives in India. Available at SSRN 6020797.
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6020797
- SPM, M. P. (2026). Unequal Access in the Digital Era: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Digital Divide in Rural South India. Journal of Daoist Studies, 19(S1), 1107-1118. https://journalofdaoiststudies.org/index.php/journal/article/view/181
- Telecom Ministry Statistics: (2024)
https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/95-15-of-villages-in-india-have-internet-access-today-telecom-ministry/112215646?utm_source=chatgpt.com.