Determinants of fertility in three North Indian States: caste, female autonomy and economic development
Bhattacharya, P.C.
Canadian Journal of Development Studies 19(1): 37-53
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0225-5189 DOI: 10.1080/02255189.1998.9669736Document Number: 255614
An examination is presented of some of the determinants of fertility in three fairly homogeneous states in northern India (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh). Data sources are given in the appendices, but are generally drawn from the 1981 Census of India. The results show that scheduled tribe status (though not the scheduled caste status) has a substantial negative effect on fertility. The results also provide strong support for the view that improving the position of women through more equitable social and economic development will have a far greater impact on fertility reduction than will the provision of family planning services. Finally, the results provide indirect support for the view that increased income leads to increased fertility and that children are not 'inferior goods'.