Fertility, Education and Development: Further Evidence from India

49 Pages Posted: 30 Apr 2008

See all articles by Jean Drèze

Jean Drèze

University of Delhi - Delhi School of Economics

Mamta Murthi

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: January 2000

Abstract

There has been a significant decline in fertility in many parts of India since the early 1980s. This paper reexamines the determinants of fertility levels and fertility decline, using panel data on Indian districts for 1981 and 1991. We find that women's education is the most important factor explaining fertility differences across the country and over time. Low levels of child mortality and son preferences also contribute to lower fertility. By contrast, general indicators of modernization and development such as urbanisation, poverty reduction, and male literacy bear no significant association with fertility. En passant, we probe a subject of much confusion - the relation between fertility decline and gender bias.

Suggested Citation

Drèze, Jean and Murthi, Mamta, Fertility, Education and Development: Further Evidence from India (January 2000). LSE STICERD Research Paper No. DEDPS20, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1126989

Jean Drèze (Contact Author)

University of Delhi - Delhi School of Economics ( email )

G.T. Road,
Shahdara
Delhi-110007, Delhi 110032
India

Mamta Murthi

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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