Insights from economic theories of discrimination: on sources, motives, consequences and policies

Sukhadeo Thorat ()
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Sukhadeo Thorat: Jawaharlal Nehru University

Journal of Social and Economic Development, 2024, vol. 26, issue 1, No 2, 5-16

Abstract: Abstract This paper synthesises the theories of economic discrimination as developed since they emerged first with the writing of Gary Becker in the mid-1950s and later by Arrow, George Akerlof, William Darity and others. The economic theories of discrimination by these scholars addressed some important issues related to market discrimination. The paper captures the way theories defined the concept of market, inquire into sources of economic discrimination, motives behind economic discrimination, market conditions which make it possible to discriminate, economic consequences of market discrimination on income and poverty of the discriminated groups, and policies to overcome discrimination. In the end, the paper identifies the implications of the economic theories developed in the western world with respect to race, colour and gender to the institution of caste and untouchability in India.

Keywords: Discrimination; Caste; Affirmative action policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s40847-023-00317-1

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