LABOR VERSUS LEARNING: EXPLAINING THE STATE-WISE VARIATION OF CHILD LABOR IN INDIA

摘要: What explains the variation of child labor rates across Indian states? This dissertation explores why certain states in India, which are not necessarily wealthiest, have been able to reduce significantly past few decades, while continues increase at alarming other states. Previous economic and cultural explanations, focus on household-level poverty or hierarchical social stratification society fail adequately explain research project how systematic regional differences bureaucratic performance patterns civic engagement influenced The articulates tests several hypotheses about efficacy bureaucracy civil activity implementing elementary education laws. study employs a multi-level design including range statistical qualitative techniques analysis get institutional variables that influence parents’ decision send work. It utilizes cross-state survey dataset for 28 year 2005 run analyses confirm theoretical hypotheses. Further, two case studies based six months fieldwork Andhra Pradesh Rajasthan provide further understanding mechanisms. finds educational deprivation plays key role determining levels labor- even controlling income, focused universal more successful reducing than prioritized education.