The Threshold of Intergenerational Transfer of Poverty

Abstract

This study identifies why in the specific context of Rajasthan does poverty get transmitted from younger to older generation and what is the relationship between work, education and society. We discuss in same detail why some children who are not so poor work more than the poor children but yet do not transfer poverty. While poor children face various forms of discrimination relating to work, education and social relations that ensure them life course poverty as well as intergenerational transfer of poverty.

The data used for the purpose covers 5600 households spread in seven districts of Rajasthan. A large sample of households enables us to draw meaningful and significant inferences. Besides, a large number of other studies on Rajasthan based on primary data have been used to strengthen the arguments. In section I, we shall examine how children's work is influenced by the natural Resource Environment. Section II relates to work and occupation. This is followed by three cases of children in as many different environments. These are drawn from a larger study of Livelihood Adaptation in Rajasthan (a brief report of the same is given in Davies et al, 1996). Section III is on education and Section IV presents the conclusions.

Citation

The Threshold of IntergenerationalTransfer of Poverty presented at Staying Poor: Chronic Poverty and Development Policy, Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, 7-9 April 2003. Chronic Poverty Research Centre (CPRC), Manchester, UK, 18 pp.

The Threshold of Intergenerational Transfer of Poverty

Published 1 January 2003