Castes in India : implications of social identity in economics
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This dissertation is part of the current of thought that aims at reintegrating social identity and institutions in the economic analysis. The first chapter presents a model that describes segregation as one of the equilibria arising from un an unequal distribution of power and without having to specify segregationist preferences. In a second chapter, caste is shown to have a strong impact on the way Scheduled Castes and Tribes perceive their social status. However, other factors such as occupation or income also have an impact on perceived social status. The third chapter shows that there is a relationship between the number of crimes against Scheduled Castes and Tribes and the way water is distributed, thereby evidencing that untouchability practices are still vigorous, despite being outlawed by the Constitution. This suggests that some groups may be excluded from accessing public goods in India that turn out to be club goods. This is further investigated in chapter 4 where results strongly suggest that there is caste patronage in accessing publicly provided goods. In conclusion, we set forth an agenda for future research that resolves around better understanding social identities formation a well as the reasons for their rise.
Source: HAL
Author: Catherine Bros
Institution: Centre d'Économie de la Sorbonne
Language: French
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W102903949