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Impact of fertility decline, gender, and social development on economic growth in India

Author

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  • Biswajit Maitra

    (University of Gour Banga)

  • Dhritiman Ganguli

    (University of Gour Banga)

Abstract

The fertility rate in India has declined dramatically and reached the replacement level in recent years. The country also ensures significant progress in social development. To our knowledge, research accounting for the drivers of economic growth in India has not emphasized the role of fertility, gender, and social factors. Such an apathetic perspective of research can be regarded as an important diminution, given considerable evidence that the economic growth of many countries is closely associated with such factors. Against this backdrop, this paper explores whether the fertility decline and social development indicators like life expectancy at birth, educational attainment, gender development, and population growth have contributed to the income surge in India. Econometric analysis for 1971–2021 and separately for 1990–2021 identifies that income is associated with fertility rate, gender development, and social development indicators. It corroborates that the fertility decline is instrumental to income surge in the long run, while in the short run, it has a detrimental impact. The life expectancy helps stimulate income for 1990–2021. Educational attainment discloses positive impacts. Besides, a positive impact of gender development is found, while population growth retards income. The findings are meaningful and have implications for achieving social development goals and long-term growth in India.

Suggested Citation

  • Biswajit Maitra & Dhritiman Ganguli, 2025. "Impact of fertility decline, gender, and social development on economic growth in India," Journal of Social and Economic Development, Springer;Institute for Social and Economic Change, vol. 27(2), pages 450-471, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jsecdv:v:27:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s40847-024-00345-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s40847-024-00345-5
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • 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
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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