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Behind the numbers: exploring caste inequities in entrepreneurial success

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Listed:
  • Rajesh Raj Natarajan
  • Kunal Sen

Abstract

The documented under-representation of marginalized groups in business ownership and the labour market is a concerning issue. This study explores how caste disparities in small-firm entrepreneurship impact on firm performance in India, focusing on the informal sector. Our examination shows a significant productivity gap between firms owned by disadvantaged castes and others, including Other Backward Classes and Forward Castes, across the productivity distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajesh Raj Natarajan & Kunal Sen, 2024. "Behind the numbers: exploring caste inequities in entrepreneurial success," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2024-4, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Myeong-Su Yun, 2005. "A Simple Solution to the Identification Problem in Detailed Wage Decompositions," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 43(4), pages 766-772, October.
    2. Kathuria, Vinish & Rajesh Raj, S.N. & Sen, Kunal, 2013. "The effects of economic reforms on manufacturing dualism: Evidence from India," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(4), pages 1240-1262.
    3. Sanjay Banerji & Rajesh S. N. Raj & Kunal Sen, 2016. "Monitoring Costs, Credit Constraints and Entrepreneurship," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 84(5), pages 573-599, September.
    4. Rajesh S. N. Raj & Kunal Sen, 2015. "Finance Constraints and Firm Transition in the Informal Sector: Evidence from Indian Manufacturing," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(1), pages 123-143, March.
    5. Kevin Lang & Jee-Yeon K. Lehmann, 2012. "Racial Discrimination in the Labor Market: Theory and Empirics," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 50(4), pages 959-1006, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Caste; Productivity gap; Informal sector; Firms; Discrimination; India;
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