Zadie Smith tells Dua Lipa inequality has made culture clashes feel ‘existential’
Novelist Zadie Smith discussed the impact of economic inequality on social cohesion during an interview with Dua Lipa. She argued that the decline of the welfare state has transformed cultural differences into existential threats for many citizens.
Why it matters
It highlights how economic instability and the erosion of public services can exacerbate social polarization and cultural tensions in modern democracies.
Dua Lipa interviews Zadie Smith during the London literature festival at the Southbank Centre, London. Photograph: Pete Woodhead/PA Dua Lipa interviews Zadie Smith during the London literature festival at the Southbank Centre, London. Photograph: Pete Woodhead/PA Books Zadie Smith tells Dua Lipa inequality has made culture clashes feel ‘existential’ Novelist says demise of Britain’s ‘incredible’ welfare system and housing struggles have led to deeper divisions
Prefer the Guardian on Google The novelist Zadie Smith has said that inequality has made culture clashes feel “existential”, adding that it has become “natural to look to your left and think ‘who the fuck are you?’”
In an interview with Dua Lipa as part of the Southbank Centre’s London literature festival, Smith argued that the demise of Britain’s “incredible, historic” welfare system has led to greater divisions.
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