Inequality of educational opportunity in India: changes over time and across states

M. Niaz Asadullah, Gaston Yalonetzky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper documents the extent of inequality of educational opportunity in India spanning the period 1983-2004 using National Sample Surveys. We build on recent developments in the literature that have operationalized concepts of inequality of opportunity theory and construct several indices of inequality of educational opportunity for an adult sample. Kerala stands out as the least opportunity-unequal state. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh experienced large-scale falls in the ranking of inequality of opportunities. By contrast, West Bengal and Orissa made significant progress in reducing inequality of opportunity. We also examine the links between progress toward equality of opportunity and a selection of pro-poor policies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1151-1163
Number of pages13
JournalWorld Development
Volume40
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Caste
  • Gender
  • India
  • Inequality of opportunity
  • Religion
  • South Asia

Cite this