In the backdrop of the debate on missing women and son preference in Asia, this paper deals with the influence of fertility decline in India on gender bias in mortality. In order to get more precise answers, the text concentrates on gender bias in prenatal mortality and infant mortality. I will test two contradicting hypotheses empirically using among others data from three rounds of the National Family Health Survey in India (1992, 1998 and 2005). These constitute the foundation for further studies in order to answer the question whether fertility decline promotes or hinders gender bias in mortality. Judging the relation of these two variables by female education will show the strong link between female education and fertility. I will find out that son preference in India stays constant, independent from the mother´s educational level. Nonetheless, this text will show that the level of female education determines how parents interfere with their child´s sex. Empirical data will prove that higher educated women prefer prenatal technology for girl elimination while uneducated women have less access to or knowledge of it. The data will also suggest that less educated mothers have a higher daughter infanticide rate. I will conclude that fertility decline intensifies gender bias in prenatal mortality. However, the influence it might have on female infant mortality can not be estimated correctly because of incomplete empirical data.
Table of Contents
2. Introduction
3. Fertility
3.1. Definition of Fertility
3.2. Fertility Decline in India
4. Genders bias and Mortality
4.1. Origin of and Reasons for Gender Bias
4.2. Data of Gender Bias
4.3. Pre- natal Gender Bias: Abortion in India
4.4. Post- natal Gender Bias: Gender Bias in Child Mortality
5. Contradicting Hypotheses
5.1. Hypotheses 1: Fertility Decline hinders Gender Bias in Mortality
5.2. Hypotheses 2: Fertility Decline promotes Gender Bias in Mortality
6. Empirical Evidence to the Hypotheses: Fertility Decline intensifies Gender Bias in Mortality
7. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the complex relationship between fertility decline and gender bias in mortality within India. It seeks to answer whether the observed decline in fertility acts to promote or hinder gender-based discrimination against girls, specifically focusing on pre-natal sex selection and post-natal infant mortality while considering the mediating role of female education.
- Analysis of gender bias in pre-natal and infant mortality in India.
- Investigation into the link between fertility decline and son preference.
- Evaluation of the impact of female education on fertility choices and gender outcomes.
- Empirical testing of two opposing hypotheses regarding the consequences of fertility transition.
- Examination of the role of sex-selective abortion technology versus traditional neglect.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1. Origin of and Reasons for Gender Bias
In Indian society son preference is still strong. But where does it come from? For centuries, sons have been regarded as heirs, as the ones who sire the next generation and carry on the family name. Furthermore, sons usually inherit property because daughters are married into another family. In addition, sons represent security for their parents in old- age because they are obliged to take care of them. To clarify, sons are a status symbol and important for the family honor. In contrast, daughters have to be married off with the additional burdensome payment of a dowry to the husband´s family. According to Guilmoto (2007) “dowry encompasses cash, gold and other Jewellery [..] and it constitutes the major bulk of marriage expenses, often exceeding several years’ of household income“ (p.22). While it probably costs the same amount of money to raise a son or a daughter, sons are seen as an economic burden in the short run and in the long run as a guarantee for security. Women may cost as much as boys during the childhood (maybe even less due to more limited access to education etc.) but it will be more expensive to marry them off.
But how is the situation in modern India today? How is gender bias present? The best way to analyze gender bias is by examining the sex ratio and actions like sex- selective abortion or female infanticide that promote son preference and girl elimination.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the historical context of female discrimination in India and establishes the research focus on the link between fertility decline, education, and mortality.
Fertility: Defines total fertility rate (TFR) and provides an overview of the downward trend in fertility rates in India over recent decades.
Genders bias and Mortality: Explores the societal roots of son preference and examines empirical data related to pre-natal and post-natal gender discrimination.
Contradicting Hypotheses: Presents two competing models: one where fertility decline leads to greater female emancipation and reduced bias, and another where it intensifies bias through sex-selective technology.
Empirical Evidence to the Hypotheses: Fertility Decline intensifies Gender Bias in Mortality: Utilizes survey data to demonstrate that higher female education correlates with lower fertility but increased usage of sex-selective abortion technology.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, concluding that fertility decline intensifies pre-natal gender bias while noting the limitations of current data and the need for further research.
Keywords
Fertility Decline, Son Preference, India, Gender Bias, Mortality, Female Education, Sex-Selective Abortion, Infant Mortality, National Family Health Survey, Female Emancipation, Sex Ratio, Demographic Transition, Girl Infanticide, Socioeconomic Status, Reproductive Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research paper?
The paper investigates the relationship between fertility decline in India and the persistence or intensification of gender bias in mortality, particularly regarding female fetuses and infants.
What are the core thematic areas covered?
The research covers son preference, fertility trends, the influence of female education, sex-selective abortion, and post-natal child mortality rates.
What is the central research question?
The main question is whether the decline in fertility in India promotes or hinders gender bias in mortality outcomes.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses empirical analysis, evaluating data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) across three rounds (1992, 1998, 2005) and comparing different levels of female education.
What is the focus of the main section of the paper?
The main section evaluates two opposing hypotheses: one suggesting that fertility decline reduces gender bias through emancipation, and the other suggesting it intensifies bias through the use of technology to ensure male offspring.
Which key terms best describe this study?
Key terms include fertility decline, son preference, gender bias, pre-natal and infant mortality, and the mediating variable of female education.
How does the author explain the difference between pre-natal and post-natal gender bias?
Pre-natal bias is attributed to the use of sex-determination technology and abortion, whereas post-natal bias is described as a more "low-tech" passive strategy involving neglect and unequal access to resources.
Does the paper conclude that higher education solves gender bias?
No, the paper concludes that while higher education leads to lower fertility, it also facilitates the use of technology for sex-selective abortion, thereby intensifying pre-natal gender bias.
Why is the "birth order" significant in this study?
The study highlights that if the firstborn is a girl, parents are more likely to utilize sex-selective interference during the second pregnancy to ensure a male child, indicating that son preference remains a constant driver.
- Quote paper
- Sabrina Höling (Author), 2011, Fertility Decline and Son Preference in India, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/184321
