The Kerala Paradox

Seshadri, Triya

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The Kerala Paradox

Indian Journal of Economics and Business, June 2009

21 Pages Posted: 3 Dec 2010

See all articles by Triya Seshadri

Triya Seshadri

George Mason University - Department of Economics

Date Written: October 30, 2008

Abstract

Kerala, a small south Indian state, is described as a model for state led growth and as a state that challenges the link between high income and high social indicators. Kerala reportedly has high social development indicators and low incomes. This is suggested as a paradox and also as proof that greater state involvement can lead to higher social indicators. A closer look, however, reveals that Kerala income is understated and the growth rates in human indicators are not as high as is claimed. This paper argues that the Kerala paradox is neither a paradox nor a model for state led growth.

Keywords: Kerala, India, Development

JEL Classification: H70, O4, R11

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Seshadri, Triyakshana, The Kerala Paradox (October 30, 2008). Indian Journal of Economics and Business, June 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1717741