The empowerment of women,fertility, and child mortality: Towards a theoretical analysis |
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Authors: | Mukesh Eswaran |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Economics, University of British Columbia, # 997-1873 East Mall, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z1. (Fax: +1-604-822-5915; e-mail: eswaran@econ.ubc.ca), CA |
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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.
Received: 4 August 1999/Accepted: 7 September 2000 |
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Keywords: | JEL classification: D19 J12 J13 J16 |
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