Ethnic diversity and human capital development in India: A disaggregated analysis at the state and district levels. Issue 5 (26th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Awaworyi Churchill, Sefa; Madhoo, Yeti Nisha; Nath, Shyam
• Is Part Of: Applied economics. Volume 52:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 506
• Page End: 518
• Publication Date: 2020-01-26
• Subjects: Ethnic diversity -- fractionalization -- polarization -- development -- public goods; J15 -- J24; Economics -- Periodicals; 330
• DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2019.1646880
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study contributes to the development literature by providing a new perspective on understanding factors that influence human capital development in India. We examine the effects of ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity on various measures of human capital at the state and district levels. Based on indices of ethnic diversity calculated for 30 Indian States and 557 districts, we examine the direct effects of ethnic diversity on indicators such as infant mortality, education and health. Our findings suggest that, on average, ethnic diversity contributes to some elements of development. Specifically, we find evidence to support development-enhancing effects of diversity on education and health.