Inequalities, Life Chances and Gender

Abstract

This paper is one of two preliminary first findings reports that make use of early data from the third round of the Young Lives survey of children growing up in four countries – Ethiopia, India (Andhra Pradesh), Peru and Vietnam – over 15 years. This briefing explores the extent to which inequalities including poverty, location (rural or urban), ethnicity or caste, and gender, are changing over time and how this may affect life chances for children. The paper concludes by considering the policy implications of these first findings, including the need to protect existing social budget expenditure and ensuring services are adapted to the needs of the poorest and most marginalised children. Policies aimed at intervening in poverty cycles need to take into account how inequalities intersect to inform the expansion of services and social protection schemes and improvements in the accessibility, appropriateness and quality of education and healthcare are essential in order to provide a strong foundation for child development and learning and for children to access better-paid employment in the future