 This paper examines the underlying causes of malnutrition among children, focusing on the basic determinants of malnutrition, which includes material, human, social and natural capital, as well as long-term demographic, economic and environmental trends. It also explores the role of social norms and institutions in shaping power dynamics and marginalization, and how these factors interact with each other to create a complex web of interrelated causes. The authors argue that understanding the basic determinants of malnutrition is essential to developing effective solutions to address it. This article was authored by Jody Harris and Nicholas Nisbet.