The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants

David Atkin

American Economic Review, 2016, vol. 106, issue 4, 1144-81

Abstract: Anthropologists have documented substantial and persistent differences in food preferences across social groups. My paper asks whether such food cultures can constrain caloric intake? I first document that interstate migrants within India consume fewer calories per rupee of food expenditure compared to their neighbors. Second, I show that migrants bring their origin-state food preferences with them. Third, I link these findings by showing that the gap in caloric intake between locals and migrants depends on the suitability and intensity of the migrants' origin-state preferences. The most affected migrants would consume seven percent more calories if they possessed their neighbors' preferences. (JEL D12, I12, O15, R23, Z12, Z13)

JEL-codes: D12 I12 O15 R23 Z12 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.20140297
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (78)

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Related works:
Working Paper: The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants (2013)
Working Paper: The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants (2013)
Working Paper: The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants (2013)
Working Paper: The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants (2013)
Working Paper: The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants (2013)
Working Paper: The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants (2013)
Working Paper: The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants (2013)
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