Events

Abstract:- We model and estimate the relationship between wealth and reported income for individuals and families across different wealth groups in India. We use a new dataset based on affidavits filed by election contestants, the Forbes List of billionaires, and the statistics published by the Indian Tax Department. We show that the wealthier the individual or the family, the lesser the reported income relative to wealth. On average, a 1% increase in family wealth is associated with a decrease of…

Abstract:- What factors determine a minority group’s extent/pattern of assimilation with the mainstream population in a country? We study this question in a dynamic multi-generation model, and formalize the sociological theory of segmented assimilation propounded by Port´es and Zhou (1993). Our key assumptions are: there exists cultural heterogeneity within a minority group, minority members can shift their inherited culture traits to an extent, shifting culture traits closer to the mainstream culture increases economic opportunities, benefits from being close to the…

Abstract:- With rapidly depleting natural resources, governments across the world face the task of balancing economic development with conservation efforts. We study how the governance structure surrounding environmental policy-making, specifically decentralization of natural resource management shapes this trade-off by examining the economic projects in India that required diversion of forest land and were submitted to the Indian government for approval. We compile the universe of proposal submissions and their application outcomes and exploit a policy reform that decentralized the approval…