scholarly journals Implications of the Politics of Caste and Class for Child Poverty in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-451
Author(s):  
Adel Daoud ◽  
Shailen Nandy

Understanding the politics of caste, corruption, and wealth is essential for combating poverty in India. However, relatively few studies have systematically analyzed how these factors explain patterns of poverty combining state-level indicators with household and child-level outcomes. Focusing on child poverty as an outcome measure, this paper tests the explanatory potency of John Harriss's typology of state government political regimes, Transparency International India's measures of state corruption, and state-level wealth. Using data on 120,988 children from the third National Family Health Survey (2005–2006) and multilevel models, we find that Harriss's typology of state regimes better explains child poverty differences between states than Transparency International India's corruption index. States whose political regimes are historically dominated by upper-caste groups tend to have an adverse effect on poor children of lower castes, compared to states dominated by lower-caste groups. This adverse effect is amplified in wealthier states.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. e002274
Author(s):  
Neha Kohli ◽  
Phuong H Nguyen ◽  
Rasmi Avula ◽  
Purnima Menon

IntroductionChildhood stunting has declined in India between 2006 and 2016, but not uniformly across all states. Little is known about what helped some states accelerate progress while others did not. Insights on subnational drivers of progress are useful not just for India but for other decentralised policy contexts. Thus, we aimed to identify the factors that contributed to declines in childhood stunting (from 52.9% to 37.6%) between 2006 and 2016 in the state of Chhattisgarh, a subnational success story in stunting reduction in India.MethodsWe examined time trends in determinants of stunting using descriptive and regression decomposition analysis of National Family Health Survey data from 2005 to 2006 and 2015–2016. We reviewed nutrition-relevant policies and programmes associated with the drivers of change to construct a policy timeline. Finally, we interviewed multiple stakeholders in the state to understand the changes in the drivers of undernutrition.ResultsThe regression decomposition analysis shows that multiple factors explain 66% of the change in stunting between 2006 and 2016. Improvements in three key drivers—health and nutrition services, household assets, and sanitation and hygiene—explained 47% of the change in stunting. A shared vision for impact, political stability and capable bureaucracy, state-level innovations, support from development partners and civil society, and community mobilisation were found to contribute to improvements in programmes for health, poverty and sanitation.ConclusionChange in multiple sectors is important for stunting reduction and can be achieved in subnational contexts. More work lies ahead to close gaps in various determinants of stunting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (Suppl 5) ◽  
pp. e005512
Author(s):  
Diwakar Mohan ◽  
Kerry Scott ◽  
Neha Shah ◽  
Jean Juste Harrisson Bashingwa ◽  
Arpita Chakraborty ◽  
...  

Kilkari is one of the largest maternal mobile messaging programmes in the world. It makes weekly prerecorded calls to new and expectant mothers and their families from the fourth month of pregnancy until 1-year post partum. The programme delivers reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health information directly to subscribers’ phones. However, little is known about the reach of Kilkari among different subgroups in the population, or the differentiated benefits of the programme among these subgroups. In this analysis, we assess differentials in eligibility, enrolment, reach, exposure and impact across well-known proxies of socioeconomic position—that is, education, caste and wealth. Data are drawn from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Madhya Pradesh, India, including call data records from Kilkari subscribers in the RCT intervention arm, and the National Family Health Survey-4, 2015. The analysis identifies that disparities in household phone ownership and women’s access to phones create inequities in the population eligible to receive Kilkari, and that among enrolled Kilkari subscribers, marginalised caste groups and those without education are under-represented. An analysis of who is left behind by such interventions and how to reach those groups through alternative communication channels and platforms should be undertaken at the intervention design phase to set reasonable expectations of impact. Results suggest that exposure to Kilkari has improved levels of some health behaviours across marginalised groups but has not completely closed pre-existing gaps in indicators such as wealth and education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (S4) ◽  
pp. 17-24
Author(s):  
Hannah Abelow ◽  
Cassandra Crifasi ◽  
Daniel Webster

This article argues that state government actors concerned about gun violence prevention should prioritize enactment of robust firearm purchaser regimes at the state level. First, the article outlines the empirical evidence base for purchaser licensing. Then, the article describes how state governments can design this policy. Next, the article assesses the likelihood that purchaser licensing legislation will continue to be upheld by federal courts. Finally, the article addresses the implications of this policy, aimed at curbing gun deaths, for equally important racial justice priorities. Taken together, these various considerations indicate that purchaser licensing policies are among the most effective firearm-focused laws state governments can enact to reduce gun deaths within the existing federal legislative and legal frameworks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
Shannon Hunter ◽  
Diana Garbinsky ◽  
Elizabeth M La ◽  
Sara Poston ◽  
Cosmina Hogea

Abstract Background Previous studies on adult vaccination coverage found inter-state variability that persists after adjusting for individual demographic factors. Assessing the impact of state-level factors may help improve uptake strategies. This study aimed to: • Update previous estimates of state-level, model-adjusted coverage rates for influenza; pneumococcal; tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap); and herpes zoster (HZ) vaccines (individually and in compliance with all age-appropriate recommended vaccinations) • Evaluate effects of individual and state-level factors on adult vaccination coverage using a multilevel modeling framework. Methods Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data (2015–2017) were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated state vaccination coverage and compliance using predicted marginal proportions. BRFSS data were then combined with external state-level data to estimate multilevel models evaluating effects of state-level factors on coverage. Weighted odds ratios and measures of cluster variation were estimated. Results Adult vaccination coverage and compliance varied by state, even after adjusting for individual characteristics, with coverage ranging as follows: • Influenza (2017): 35.1–48.1% • Pneumococcal (2017): 68.2–80.8% • Tdap (2016): 21.9–46.5% • HZ (2017): 30.5–50.9% Few state-level variables were retained in final multilevel models, and measures of cluster variation suggested substantial residual variation unexplained by individual and state-level variables. Key state-level variables positively associated with vaccination included health insurance coverage rates (influenza/HZ), pharmacists’ vaccination authority (HZ), presence of childhood vaccination exemptions (pneumococcal/Tdap), and adult immunization information system participation (Tdap/HZ). Conclusion Adult vaccination coverage and compliance continue to show substantial variation by state even after adjusting for individual and state-level characteristics associated with vaccination. Further research is needed to assess additional state or local factors impacting vaccination disparities. Funding GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (study identifier: HO-18-19794) Disclosures Shannon Hunter, MS, GSK (Other Financial or Material Support, Ms. Hunter is an employee of RTI Health Solutions, who received consultancy fees from GSK for conduct of the study. Ms. Hunter received no direct compensation from the Sponsor.) Diana Garbinsky, MS, GSK (Other Financial or Material Support, The study was conducted by RTI Health Solutions, which received consultancy fees from GSK. I am a salaried employee at RTI Health Solutions and received no direct compensation from GSK for the conduct of this study..) Elizabeth M. La, PhD, RTI Health Solutions (Employee) Sara Poston, PharmD, The GlaxoSmithKline group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Cosmina Hogea, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder)


2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aria Asadi Eskandar ◽  
Murali Raman

Most of the international e-Government benchmarking studies have focused on national government websites such as portal of ministries at the national level. This paper examines the level of sophistication of e-Government websites for different states in Malaysia, as opposed to a national level assessment, both in terms of the breadth and depth of e-Government service offering. This paper adds to the existing body of knowledge in relation to e-Government web portal assessment in two ways. First, studies pertaining to e-Government in Malaysia focus mainly on implementation issues at the Federal/National level– The authors examined State level implementation of e-Government services. Secondly, they used a predetermined instrument to assess the sophistication level of State government web portals, by consolidating different measurement items from our review of literature over the past ten years. The authors analyzed the website for a total of thirteen states in Malaysia, in relation to six different dimension measures of e-Government service offerings, as prescribed by literature. These six dimension measures are the extent of transparency, interactivity, usability and accessibility of the portal, citizen participation, security and privacy, and maturity level of services. A content analysis of the web portal was done, using a predetermined instrument developed based on our review of literature on this topic, in the past ten years. Their findings suggest that different State Governments in Malaysia demonstrate different levels of maturity in relation to the six dimensions measured.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A35-A35
Author(s):  
Brant Hasler ◽  
Meredith Wallace ◽  
Jessica Graves ◽  
Sarah Pedersen

Abstract Introduction Impulsivity is a multifaceted construct with well-documented risk for substance use problems. A circadian preference towards eveningness has been linked to trait, global impulsivity. Here we extend existing literature by investigating whether eveningness is associated with multiple facets of impulsivity at both trait- and state-level impulsivity. We also examined these associations utilizing daily measures of sleep timing and duration. Methods The primary sample included 78 moderate-to-heavy social drinkers (aged 21–35, 100% White men) with circadian preference data (Composite Scale of Morningness: CSM). Five facets of impulsivity were assessed via the UPPS-P, both at baseline (full scale) and up to 6 times per day over 10 days (reduced scale). Daily sleep timing (midsleep) and duration were assessed via self-report over 10 days. Multilevel models were used to examine between- and within-person associations, accounting for covariates and correcting for multiple comparisons. Results Between-person models found that eveningness was associated with multiple facets of impulsivity, at trait (lack of perseverance) and state levels (negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of perseverance, and lack of premeditation). However, average midsleep and duration were generally unrelated to impulsivity when accounting for circadian preference. Within-person models in the primary sample largely paralleled the between-person findings. In a larger, more diverse sample (29.1% self-identified as Black, 29.7% female) without CSM data, later midsleep timing was associated with greater mean state-level impulsivity across multiple facets. These effects largely appear to be driven by White women. Conclusion A circadian preference for eveningness is strongly associated with multiple facets of impulsivity, at both trait- and state-levels, potentially increasing risk for substance use. This association does not appear to be driven by actual daily sleep timing and/or duration. Future research with objective measures of sleep in larger, more diverse samples will be important to clarify implications for sleep-focused prevention and/or treatment of substance use. Support (if any) Supported by grants from NIH (R01AA026249; K01 AA021135), as well as a Foundation Grant from ABMRF/The Foundation for Alcohol Research.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Wallace

Partnerships bring actors together to make horizontal connections between organisations. This has proven to be an effective model at the local level in Ireland. This paper explores possibilities for local partnerships to come together through a network to make vertical connections to national policy processes. It is written as a practice and innovation paper by the national coordinator of the Community Partnership Network in Ireland. A review of current practice and expectations of the Community Partnership Network indicates there has been greater success in providing support to members compared with impacts from strong vertical connections. This experience is common for a range of local actors in the community development sector in Ireland who find that there are insufficient meaningful connections between local and national institutions. This limits the opportunity for transfer of knowledge from the local level to inform national policy. Going forward, the notion of network advantage is explored as a means to make the necessary vertical connections. It is proposed that the outcomes from a network should cover the dimensions of: joint value creation, mutual capacity development and collective engagement with decision makers. There is real opportunity to apply this in Ireland as the three networks representing local development are about to merge into a single representative body for what are now local integrated development partnerships. Thinking about network advantage also provides possible application for creating stronger vertical linkages between local partnerships in Victoria, Australia and bodies at the state level, including the Victorian State Government.


1993 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Montgomery Van Wart

Executive development can only be properly conceptualized as a part of the state's overall human resource development (HRD) system. As a part of that system, the special needs and constraints of executive development can be addressed. Some of the best human resource development systems build level by level, with executive development as the logical and integrated conclusion, even though the programs may be housed in a variety of settings. As background, this article discusses the differences in the four levels of HRD, the three major skill areas that are identified with each of these levels, and the four features that characterize good human resource systems. It concentrates on the features that characterize good executive development systems and also includes a number of examples of good executive development systems in the federal and state government sectors.


2022 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Rakesh Mishra ◽  
Srinivas Goli ◽  
Swastika Chakravorty ◽  
Anu Rammohan

Abstract Against the backdrop of the alarming rise in Caesarean section (C-section) births in India, this study aimed to examine the association between C-section births, fertility decline and female sterilization in the country. A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the association between C-section delivery and subsequent reproductive behaviour in women in India. Data were from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4). The study sample comprised 255,726 currently married women in the age group of 15–49 years. The results showed a strong positive relationship between C-section births and female sterilization. The predicted probabilities (PP) from the multivariate regression model indicated a higher chance of female sterilization in women with C-section births (PP = 0.39, p<0.01) compared with those with non-C-section births (PP = 0.20, p<0.01). Both state-level correlation plots and Poisson regression estimates showed a strong negative relationship between C-section births and mean children ever born (CEB). Based on the results, it may be concluded that the use of C-sections and sterilization were strongly correlated in India at the time of the NFHS-4, thus together contributing to fertility decline. A strong negative association was found between the occurrence of C-sections and CEB. The increased and undesired use of C-section births and consequent female sterilization is a regressive socio-demographic process that often violates women’s rights. Fertility decline should happen through informed choice of family planning and must protect the reproductive rights of women.


2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mala Lalvani

The Indian polity has been through 43 coalition governments at the state level between 1966/67 and 1998/99. In the present study we attempt to examine what this change in form of government from single party to coalitions has meant for the economy. The results of our study which examines the post 1980 period give us reason to be optimistic. Coalitions at the state government level appear to have, on an average, done well to increase capital expenditures particularly capital expenditures on social services and other developmental categories. They have, however, not succeeded in taking politically hard decisions of curbing revenue expenditures and revenue deficits. It is our contention that the weak majority of coalition governments is their major strength. The tenuous hold of coalitions on power gives them a license for undertaking reforms. If the opportunity is taken to undertake the more ‘politically difficult’ reforms to prune revenue expenditures then the ‘era of coalitions’ would turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Indian economy


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