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Mother-In-Law and Son Preference in India

Author

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  • Marie-Claire Robitaille

    (University of Nottingham Ningbo China)

  • Ishita Chatterjee

    (Business School, University of Western Australia)

Abstract

In India, the mother-in-law is all powerful. At least they are often portrayed as such in Indian popular culture. Similarly, in the socio-economic literature, the influence of the Indian mother-in-law is often taken for granted. However, most of the empirical evidence relies on qualitative data or on small samples. Looking at stated son preference and using a nationally representative dataset (NFHS-3), we show that, indeed, mothers-in-law have an influence on their daughter-in-law, everything else constant. This influence comes mostly from socialization rather than from coercion and selection within the marriage market.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie-Claire Robitaille & Ishita Chatterjee, 2013. "Mother-In-Law and Son Preference in India," Economics Discussion / Working Papers 13-04, The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwa:wpaper:13-04
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Tsun Se Cheong & Yanrui Wu, 2013. "Globalization and Regional Inequality," Economics Discussion / Working Papers 13-10, The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics.

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