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Religion And Health Of Early Childhood : Evidence From South

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Article Analysis paper (SS5201) Paper chosen: - Religion and Health in Early Childhood: Evidence from South Asia. By Elizabeth Brainerd and Nidhiya Menon. Summary This paper consists statistical results on health among infants of two major religious groups in the countries of India, Bangladesh and Nepal. In this a regression analysis (one of the Quantitative methods) was done so as to find if cultural/religious practices effected the undernourishment in these countries. The time period for this study has been taken approximately 1999-2011, when these three countries were becoming economically stronger. This paper takes into account children between age group of one month to 59 months and based on their …show more content…

The Muslim and Hindu advantages have been named depending on the cultural/religious practices and habits of Muslims and Hindus respectively. In all the three countries, according to the regression results Hindu advantage (Hindu way of life) is more predominant. Also the cause of long term malnutrition in Muslim children have also been explained and have provided enough statistical proof as to why the Hindu advantage is more in the three countries. The author attributes to lower nourishment of Muslim child due to the religious belief of Muslims to follow fasting during the period of Ramadan, in which case a pregnant mother will be fasting providing lesser nutrients to the child. Also a common factor that can be taken into account of India in particular is the non-consumption or irregular (not on a daily bases) consumption of meat and fish products, which leads to nutritional deficiencies. (I have chosen this paper because I know quite a bit about South Asia historical background, but never gave a thought about incorporating social science into field research.) Historical background and Social Issues India is a secular country, it is secular not by immigration but by mixing of races/religions. India is primarily a Hindu based country. With the invasion of Persians, Romans, Greeks, Europeans during its course of history, it stands today a as culmination of many religions. Present Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan were once a part of India. Due to mixing of races the

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