Social Norms, Spatial Dependence, and Children's Activities: Evidence from India

35 Pages Posted: 21 Mar 2006

See all articles by Rubiana M. Chamarbagwala

Rubiana M. Chamarbagwala

Indiana University Bloomington - Department of Economics

Date Written: February 2006

Abstract

After controlling for a wide range of determinants of children's participation in work, school, and idleness, we examine whether or not there exists spatial dependence in children's activities in neighboring Indian districts. We find that correlation among neighboring districts' observables and unobservables play a significant role in determining the proportion of children who attend school, work, and are idle in a district. We attribute a large part of spatially correlated unobservables to common social attitudes, beliefs, and norms with respect to children's activities in neighboring districts.

Keywords: Child Labor, Education, Spatial Dependence, India

JEL Classification: I20, J24

Suggested Citation

Chamarbagwala, Rubiana M., Social Norms, Spatial Dependence, and Children's Activities: Evidence from India (February 2006). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=889076 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.889076

Rubiana M. Chamarbagwala (Contact Author)

Indiana University Bloomington - Department of Economics ( email )

Wylie Hall
Bloomington, IN 47405-6620
United States