Social disadvantage, economic inequality, and life expectancy in nine Indian states

Abstract

Significance India is one of the most hierarchical societies in the world. Because vital statistics are incomplete, mortality disparities are not quantified. Using survey data on more than 20 million individuals from nine Indian states representing about half of India’s population, we estimate and decompose life expectancy differences between higher-caste Hindus, comprising other backward classes and high castes, and three marginalized social groups: Adivasis (indigenous peoples), Dalits (oppressed castes), and Muslims. The three marginalized groups experience large disadvantages in life expectancy at birth relative to higher-caste Hindus. Economic status explains less than half of these gaps. These large disparities underscore parallels between diverse systems of discrimination akin to racism. They highlight the global significance of addressing social inequality in India.