Ajay Kumar Gautam’s scholarly pursuits are rooted in the dynamic intersection of urban socio-spatial development and the realms of urban informality and inequality. His research focal points encompass the intricate dynamics surrounding land and housing, the intricacies of community lives and livelihoods, as well as the interplay of caste and emerging socio-economic disparities within urban spaces.
His academic investigations delve into the nuanced analysis of how power structures and inequalities manifest, evolve, and are contested through the regulation of access to specific locales. Ajay’s scholarly contributions also unravel the intricate relationship between the configuration of local governance, urban laws, and the implementation of housing and development policies. Through this exploration, he seeks to illuminate how these elements collectively shape the spatial structure of our social world, giving rise to socio-economic and caste-based inequalities.
Prior to his affiliation with IIHS, Ajay Gautam served as a China-India Visiting Scholars Fellow at Ashoka University, further enriching his perspectives on cross-cultural dynamics. Currently, he contributes as a postdoctoral fellow within the IIHS School of Human Development team, where his research continues to shed light on the multifaceted dimensions of urban development, inequality, and social structures.