Perceptions of Social Change in Nepal: Are Caste, Ethnicity, and Region of Relevance?

Abstract

Whereas it has been well documented that Nepal has experienced progress in economic and human development over the last decade, this article examines the impact of caste, ethnicity, religion and region on perceptions of socio-economic and socio-cultural change. Based on results of the Center for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS) Social Exclusion Survey of 2890 households, we find that regardless of background characteristics, a majority of people report socio-economic improvements, more ethnic integration and less discrimination. Although traditionally excluded caste, ethnic and religious groups are somewhat less likely to report social improvements than more privileged groups, two models of socio-economic and socio-cultural change show that such group differences disappear when controlling for socio-economic and other background characteristics.