Unequal from the start? Children’s life histories and their employment outcomes in India

Five waves of the Young Lives Indian survey are analysed using sequence and regression analysis. Four clusters of individuals sharing similar life histories are identified,reflecting childhood and family circumstances measured by living conditions, health and exposure to family and economic shocks. Regression analysis examines how life histories and gender shape employment outcomes at age 22. The results show that accumulation of (dis)advantages across childhood helps explain inequalities in employment and earnings. Those who have led wealthier, healthier, more stable lives have higher earnings but are less likely to be employed. Those from the poorest but most stable cluster are the most likely to be employed, but among women, this group earns the least. For young men, earnings are lowest for those exposed to the most shocks. Policy to equalise employment opportunities in India should therefore aim to improve the living conditions, health and security of disadvantaged young children.