This workshop hosted by the Universtiy of Reading on 22nd May 2024 served as a platform for speakers and attendees to discuss the intricate relationship between institutions, norms, and the economic development of one of the world's most dynamic and diverse economies, India.  How do formal and informal institutions impact economic growth, innovation, and societal well-being? How do cultural norms, traditions, and societal expectations shape economic behaviour. The workshop drew upon both historical and contemporary contexts to provide an understanding of the pivotal role institutions play in shaping economic development.

Organisers: Stefania Lovo (University of Reading), Sam Rawlings (University of Reading) and Kalyan Kameshwara (University of Westminster)

The event was sponsored by: The Centre for Institution and Economics History (CIEH, University of Reading) and the Global Development Research Division (GDRD, University of Reading)

9:30 – 10:00    Coffee and registration

10:00-10:45 – Sanchari Roy (University of Exeter): Social Networks, Gender Norms and Labour Supply: Experimental Evidence Using a Job Search Platform

Discussant: Zahra Siddique (University of Bristol)

10:45-11:30 – Neha Hui (University of Reading): Occupational prestige in the context of ethnicity-based division of labour.

                     Discussant: Sunil Mitra Kumar (King’s College London)

11:30 – 12:00 Coffee break

12:00 – 12:45 Keynote lecture by Prof. Anandi Mani (University of Oxford): Rethinking Social Protection

12:45 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00-14:45 – Stefania Lovo (University of Reading): The political economy of environmental regulation. Evidence from sand mining.

Discussant: Amrit Amirapu (University of Kent)

14:45-15:30 – Anant Sudarshan (University of Warwick): Paying for Power (electricity theft)

Discussant: Sebastian Axbard (Queen Mary University)

15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break

16:00-16:45 – Amrit Amirapu (University of Kent): Climate Change and Political Participation: Evidence from India

                     Discussant: Sam Rawlings (University of Reading)

16:45-17:30 – Erlend Berg (University of Bristol): Paid to Learn: Piloting a New Type of Social Protection for Developing Countries

                     Discussant: Margaux Suteau (LSE)

17:30 –  Drinks and dinner