Reference using Indian district data:
Malhotra, Anju, Reeve Vanneman, and Sunita Kishor.
1995. "Fertility, Dimensions of Patriarchy, and Development in India."
Population and Development Review 21(June): 281-305.
Abstract: This article examines the macro-level linkages between the cultural
position of women and fertility levels in India. A major aim is to see whether
the various dimensions of patriarchy are separable and distinct in their
relationship to regional variations in fertility levels. District-level data,
compiled primarily from the 1981 census and some secondary sources, are used to
test the argument that fertility is lower in the districts of South India, where
kinship and economic patterns are favorable to women, than in North India, where
such patterns are less favorable. Three specific dimensions of patriarchy are
examined: the marriage system, means of active discrimination against women, and
women's economic value. The results confirm a strong macro-level relationship
between patriarchy and fertility levels in India, both with and without controls
for development and social stratification. The fact that indicators of social
development show a strong negative relationship with fertility provides support
for policy initiatives directed at not only women's, but general, welfare.
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