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Discarding Facts: the Economics of Caste

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  • James G. Scoville

Abstract

In contrast with previous modeling by Akerlof, the author develops a model of a caste system which utilizes the stylized facts that caste occupations are hereditary, compulsory, and endogamous. Some implications of the model are tested with data from the Census of India.

Suggested Citation

  • James G. Scoville, 2003. "Discarding Facts: the Economics of Caste," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 7(3), pages 378-391, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:rdevec:v:7:y:2003:i:3:p:378-391
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-9361.00197
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George A. Akerlof, 1980. "A Theory of Social Custom, of which Unemployment may be One Consequence," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 94(4), pages 749-775.
    2. George Akerlof, 1976. "The Economics of Caste and of the Rat Race and Other Woeful Tales," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 90(4), pages 599-617.
    3. Eggertsson,Thrainn, 1990. "Economic Behavior and Institutions," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521348911, September.
    4. William Darity, Jr. & Ashwini Deshpande, 2000. "Tracing the Divide: Intergroup Disparity across Countries," Eastern Economic Journal, Eastern Economic Association, vol. 26(1), pages 75-85, Winter.
    5. S. Agarwala, 1967. "Widow remarriages in some rural areas of Northern India," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 4(1), pages 126-134, March.
    6. Ashwini Deshpande, 2001. "Caste at Birth? Redefining Disparity in India," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 5(1), pages 130-144, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nair, Malavika, 2011. "Enforcement of nineteenth century banking contracts using a marriage rule," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(4), pages 360-367.

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