Childhood Poverty and Gender Shape Jobs and Earnings in India, UEA Study Finds

A new study led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) reveals that childhood poverty, poor living conditions, and gender have lasting effects on employment and earnings in India. The research, which analyzed data from the India Human Development Survey, found that children who experienced poverty or lived in substandard housing were less likely to secure stable jobs and earned significantly less as adults. Gender also played a critical role, with women facing compounded disadvantages in the labor market. The findings highlight the long-term economic consequences of early-life deprivation and underscore the need for targeted interventions to break the cycle of poverty. As India continues to develop, addressing childhood adversity could boost workforce productivity and reduce inequality.