Intersecting Identities and Poverty in India: Caste, Gender, and Regional Disparities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26821/IJSRC.14.1.2026.140101Keywords:
Caste-based inequality, Gendered poverty, Governance reform, Intersectionality, Political economy, Spatial justice, Multidimensional povertyAbstract
This study examines how caste, gender, and regional disparities intersect to shape poverty outcomes in India, applying an intersectional political economy framework. Drawing on national datasets and policy evaluations, it reveals compounded vulnerabilities experienced by marginalized groups, particularly Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Muslim minorities. The research highlights stark disparities in poverty rates, health outcomes, and educational attainment across intersecting social identities and geographies. Findings show that female-headed SC/ST households in underdeveloped regions face the highest deprivation levels. The study critiques the limitations of current welfare schemes in addressing these complexities and underscores the need for equity-oriented, data-disaggregated policy design. It advocates for a paradigm shift in poverty alleviation strategies that foreground intersectionality and structural reform. The paper contributes to scholarly debates on inclusive development by integrating spatial analysis and governance diagnostics. It concludes by proposing policy recommendations for intersectional targeting, governance reforms, and political inclusion to address multidimensional poverty in India's diverse and stratified society.
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