Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/307207 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17383
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We examine how within-group inequality, by influencing the group bias of state institutions, affects the cost-benefit calculus of individuals engaging in identity-assertive behaviour, that results in police complaints regarding hate crimes. We develop a two-stage contest model of between-group conflict, where the relative influence of a group over institutions, determined by an initial contest, affects subsequent hierarchy-establishing interaction between individuals belonging to opposing groups. Applying this model to caste conflict in India, we find that greater inequality among non-Scheduled Caste (non-SC) Hindus reduces the registered rate of crimes against SCs by non-SC Hindus, as well as the conviction rate for these crimes. Greater inequality among SCs increases both rates. Using state-level annual crime and household consumption data over 2005-2021, we find empirical support for these hypotheses. Between-group inequality does not appear to matter for either the rate of crimes against SCs or the conviction rate. Our analysis suggests that greater inequality within marginalized groups might increase reporting and punishment of aggression against them, thereby serving a protective function.
Subjects: 
discrimination
social hierarchy
caste conflict
hate crimes
India
JEL: 
D72
D74
J71
J78
Z13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
737.88 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.