Calorie decomposition by gender, caste, and religion in India: an entitlement approach

This study investigates the existence of a calorie gap (CG) within gender, caste, and religion groups utilising an entitlement framework. We employed National Sample Survey data on consumer expenditure spanning from 2004–05 to 2011–12 and applied the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique for our analysis. The results of the Oaxaca decomposition indicate that entitlement failure plays a significant role in expanding the CG amongst gender and caste groups in both rural and urban areas, while its impact is only seen within religious groups in urban areas. The failure of exchange entitlement intensifies the CG amongst caste and religious groups in rural areas. Moreover, our quantile-specific Oaxaca decomposition findings reveal that the contributions of entitlement and exchange entitlement gaps to the overall CG fluctuate across quantiles. We propose that increased social awareness and public exposure aimed at reducing caste and religion-based discrimination, alongside programmes and policies designed to enhance the resource base of female-headed households, minority castes, and religious minorities, may aid in the reduction of the CG.