The Kerala Model is an interesting phenomenon in the Indian State of Kerala. Despite being extremely poor, Kerala is rated very high on most indices for human development, in a trend which began to emerge in the middle of the 20th century. Champions of the Kerala Model have suggested that it could be used as a blueprint to improve human development in other developing nations. Others have argued that it is an isolated phenomenon which may not be ultimately sustainable.
The events in Kerala first began to be noticed in the 1970s, when economists noted that despite being extremely poor, the state had high literacy rates, healthy citizens, and a politically active population. Researchers began to delve more deeply into what was going in the Kerala Model, since human development indices seemed to show a standard of living which was comparable with life in developed nations, on a fraction of the income. The development standard in Kerala is comparable to that of many first world nations, and is widely considered to be the highest in India.
The Kerala phenomenon is the result of several conditions, and it may not be easy to replicate. As early as the 1800s, the state had a progressive attitude about education and health. The state also promoted radical attitudes about the caste system, extending education to Untouchables in the 1860s. In addition, the state has a history of aggressive public health practices, including an extensive network of clinics and health educators.
Despite having high standards of human development, the Kerala Model ranks low in terms of industrial and economic development. The high rate of education in the region has resulted in a brain drain, with many citizens migrating to other parts of the world for employment. The overall job market in Kerala is also very depressed, forcing many citizens to relocate to places like Dubai, where they may find quality employment or they may essentially be treated like slaves.
With the mass-migration of residents to areas with bigger job markets, a curious social stratification has emerged in Kerala between families of migrants and families which stay together. Migrant families can afford numerous amenities, many of which are not attainable for other citizens. This stratification is an issue of concern to economists, along with the depressed job market and generally low income. While the Kerala Model certainly illustrates one way to improve the literacy and health of a populace, it unfortunately does not appear to be a solid solution to development issues.
