“…However, the exact status of numerous castes is highly context specific (Lise, 2000). Education is similarly an important variable that can serve as an indicator of both social status and economic opportunities (Adhikari et al, 2004;Stem, Lassoie, Lee, Deshler, & Schelhas, 2003). In addition, household size can significantly influence social and economic status, including labor availability, benefits households derive from forests, and ability to tolerate risks by smoothing income fluctuations over time (Naik, 1997).…”