Student Publications
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Discrimination is harmful action taken against individuals or groups to protect customary relations of power and privilege. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to experiences of discrimination that adversely affect their quality of life. We use data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI; Wave 1; 2017–2018) to examine different contextual forces that shape the experiences of discrimination in older adults in India, specifically gender, caste, and economic condition. We used the theory of intersectionality to hypothesize that economic condition, caste, and gender combine uniquely to engender perceived discrimination in older adults. We first used a concentration index to determine the sample’s pre-existing inequality levels. The concentration curve evidenced a disproportionate concentration of discrimination among people with low income. Next, we used a three-way ANCOVA to examine the effects of caste, gender, and economic condition on individuals’ experiences of discrimination. A significant interaction effect of caste, gender, and economic condition [F(1, 30,394) = 8.91 p = 0.003] evidenced the compounding effects of inequalities on experiences of discrimination. Finally, we ran a moderation model to test the ameliorating effects of education on experiences of discrimination experienced by marginalized castes. The model was significant (β= -0.192; p < 0.001), thereby supporting the proposition that increased education level can lead to an increased sense of belonging and perceptions of equal treatment, which relate negatively to perceived discrimination. Results are discussed considering intersectionality in peoples’ struggles and resilience in India.
Publication Title
BMC Psychology
Publication Date
12-2024
Volume
12
Issue
1
ISSN
2050-7283
DOI
10.1186/s40359-024-01697-7
Keywords
caste, discrimination, economic condition, gender, India
Repository Citation
Chakraborty, Jayantika and Kundu, Sampurna, "Drivers of perceived discrimination among older adults in India: an intersectional analysis" (2024). Student Publications. 31.
https://commons.clarku.edu/student_publications/31
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright Conditions
Publisher source must be acknowledged with citation: Chakraborty, J., & Kundu, S. (2024). Drivers of perceived discrimination among older adults in India: an intersectional analysis. BMC psychology, 12(1), 1-15. Must link to publisher version with DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01697-7