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The empowerment of women, fertility, and child mortality: Towards a theoretical analysis

Author

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  • Mukesh Eswaran

    (Department of Economics, University of British Columbia, # 997-1873 East Mall, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z1.)

Abstract

This paper examines one avenue through which female autonomy impinges on fertility and child mortality in developing countries. A simple model is set out in which couples are motivated to have children for old age security purposes. The decisions of a couple regarding fertility and allocation of resources for the healthcare of their children are made within a bargaining framework. An increase in female autonomy translating into an increase in the relative bargaining power or the threat point utility of mothers is shown to reduce fertility and also to reduce child mortality rates. Paradoxically, the increase in female autonomy within a household may increase the disadvantage suffered by female children in that household with respect to survival.

Suggested Citation

  • Mukesh Eswaran, 2002. "The empowerment of women, fertility, and child mortality: Towards a theoretical analysis," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 15(3), pages 433-454.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:15:y:2002:i:3:p:433-454
    Note: Received: 4 August 1999/Accepted: 7 September 2000
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Child mortality · fertility · empowerment of women;

    JEL classification:

    • D19 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Other
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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