Discriminatory social norms and early childhood development

Abstract

This study explores caste-based disparities in childhood stunting in India, focusing on the role of caste-based practices. Using data from the National Family Health Survey, we employ a difference-in-differences (DID) framework to compare stunting rates between dominant and stigmatized caste groups within the same state, across a narrow geographical band on either side of the Vindhyas mountain range—a historical and social boundary associated with greater prevalence of caste-based practices in the north. Our findings reveal that children from stigmatized caste groups north of the Vindhyas exhibit significantly higher stunting rates than their southern counterparts. Validation exercises rule out alternative explanations such as economic disadvantage or disadvantages unrelated to caste. Moderation analyses further show that while socioeconomic and contextual factors partially reduce the stunting gap, they do not explain the persistent north-south divide, underscoring the structural and historical nature of caste-based inequities. These results call for targeted policy interventions addressing both material and structural barriers.