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Poverty, wealth inequality and financial inclusion among castes in Hindu and Muslim communities in Uttar Pradesh, India

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  • Chhavi Tiwari
  • Srinivas Goli
  • Mohammad Zahid Siddiqui
  • Pradeep S. Salve

Abstract

This study estimates poverty, wealth inequality and financial inclusion, for the first time, at the sub‐caste level in both Hindus and Muslims using a unique survey data collected from 7124 households in Uttar Pradesh, India, during 2014–2015. The results confirm the existing hypothesis that Brahmins, Thakurs and other Hindu general castes have higher wealth accumulation, lower poverty and lesser exclusion from formal financial services than Dalits. Exclusion from formal financial services forces Dalits to depend primarily on informal financial sources for borrowing—which leads to financial misfortune and further dragging them into a vicious cycle of poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Chhavi Tiwari & Srinivas Goli & Mohammad Zahid Siddiqui & Pradeep S. Salve, 2022. "Poverty, wealth inequality and financial inclusion among castes in Hindu and Muslim communities in Uttar Pradesh, India," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(6), pages 1227-1255, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:34:y:2022:i:6:p:1227-1255
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3626
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