Socio-Economic Determinants of Housing Inequality in India
Shruthi Menon
Abstract
Housing inequality is a pressing concern for inclusive growth and social well-being. This study examines the nature of housing inequalities and their disparities, through the lens of categorical inequality.
Building on Charles’ Tilly’s concept of Durable Inequality and Therborn’s notion of existential inequality, the study shows that inadequate housing is not merely a material deprivation but also a systemic denial of dignity and social recognition.
Using three rounds of NSS survey on Key Indicators of Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing condition in India (2008, 2012 and 2018), the study constructs a composite housing index using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and analyses disparities across gender, social group and regions.
Findings from the study reveal significant improvements in housing conditions, driven by flagship schemes. Inequality measures like the Gini and Theil’s entropy indices show that while inequality in floor space declined, inequality in access to housing amenities such as sanitation, drinking water, and electricity increased over the decade (2008-2018).
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and rural households remain consistently disadvantaged, underscoring the persistence of categorical inequality. Regression results confirm that economic status continues to significantly influence housing outcomes. The study contributes by empirically operationalizing existential inequality in the housing domain, and concludes with a call for equity-oriented housing policies that address durable structural barriers faced by marginalized communities.