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Socioeconomic Status, Religion and Health in India: an Examination of Chronic and Communicable Diseases

Author

Listed:
  • Trenita B. Childers

    (Duke University)

  • Kevin Chiou

    (Duke University)

Abstract

The literature on socioeconomic status and health suggests that those in higher positions have better health, and those in lower positions have worse health. There is little evidence of an SES gradient in non-industrialized countries, however, and it is uncertain whether the health gradient established in many Western countries would apply in developing countries. In this study, the authors examine patterns in health outcomes by caste and religion in India, a developing country. Results from a nationally representative sample, the Indian Human Development Survey, suggest that while high SES social groups report less communicable disease, they report a higher prevalence of chronic diseases than low SES groups. This study demonstrates the need to examine diseases of affluence among high SES groups in developing countries while also identifying the particular health concerns that are prevalent among low SES groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Trenita B. Childers & Kevin Chiou, 2016. "Socioeconomic Status, Religion and Health in India: an Examination of Chronic and Communicable Diseases," The Review of Black Political Economy, Springer;National Economic Association, vol. 43(2), pages 149-164, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:blkpoe:v:43:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s12114-015-9225-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s12114-015-9225-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sonalde Desai & Veena Kulkarni, 2008. "Changing educational inequalities in india in the context of affirmative action," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 45(2), pages 245-270, May.
    2. Ashwini Deshpande, 2002. "Assets versus Autonomy? The Changing Face of the Gender-Caste Overlap in India," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(2), pages 19-35.
    3. repec:bla:rdevec:v:5:y:2001:i:1:p:130-44 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Borooah, Vani, 2010. "Inequality in health outcomes in India: the role of caste and religion," MPRA Paper 19832, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Thorat, Amit, 2010. "Ethnicity, Caste and Religion: Implications for Poverty Outcomes," MPRA Paper 43030, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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