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Mother's autonomy: impact on the quality of children's healthcare in India

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  • Richard Grabowski
  • Sharmistha Self

Abstract

Given the poor condition of children's health in developing countries, this article seeks to examine two hypotheses concerning healthcare for children. First, does mother's autonomy influence the quality of child healthcare and, second, which is related to the first, whether mother's autonomy reduces the apparent gender bias in child healthcare. Using household survey data from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India the article finds that for the most part as the mother's autonomy (measured several different ways) increases, the quality of care for children improves. The results also indicate that gender bias exists in the provision of quality healthcare for children. Male children generally receive better quality care. However, for several measures of female autonomy, an increase in such autonomy reduces the bias. The results of this analysis have important policy implications and provide additional insight into the state of affairs of children's health in rural India.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Grabowski & Sharmistha Self, 2013. "Mother's autonomy: impact on the quality of children's healthcare in India," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(14), pages 1903-1913, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:45:y:2013:i:14:p:1903-1913
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2011.637899
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dreze, Jean & Sen, Amartya, 2002. "India: Development and Participation," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199257492.
    2. Jejeebhoy, Shireen J., 1995. "Women's Education, Autonomy, and Reproductive Behaviour: Experience from Developing Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198290339.
    3. Borooah, Vani, 2009. "Maternal Literacy and Child Malnutrition in India," MPRA Paper 19833, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    1. Ana Vaz & Pierre Pratley & Sabina Alkire, 2016. "Measuring Women's Autonomy in Chad Using the Relative Autonomy Index," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(1), pages 264-294, January.
    2. Biswajit Mandal & Bhaskar Bhattacharyya & Saswati Chaudhuri, 2024. "Parental bargaining and child health: a theoretical note," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 4(4), pages 1-17, April.
    3. Akinwumi Sharimakin & Daniel Adukwu Idachaba, 2025. "Analysis of connectivity between economic autonomy, employment type and relationship style within household," Journal of Social and Economic Development, Springer;Institute for Social and Economic Change, vol. 27(1), pages 72-90, August.
    4. Federica Alfani & Fabio Clementi & Michele Fabiani & Vasco Molini & Enzo Valentini, 2024. "Does gender equality in labor participation bring equality? Evidence from developing and developed countries," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 67(1), pages 289-311, July.
    5. Shatanjaya Dasgupta, 2016. "Son Preference and Gender Gaps in Child Nutrition: Does the Level of Female Autonomy Matter?," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(2), pages 375-386, May.
    6. Astutik, Erni & Efendi, Ferry & Sebayang, Susy Katikana & Hadisuyatmana, Setho & Has, Eka Mishbahatul Marah & Kuswanto, Heri, 2020. "Association between women’s empowerment and diarrhea in children under two years in Indonesia," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).

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