Temporal and Regional Changes in the Role of Empowerment of Women on her Reproductive Choices in India

Samba Siva Rao Pasupuleti, Indian Statistical Institute
Prasanta Pathak, Indian Statistical Institute

In a big country like India, where vast heterogeneity was found in several demographic indicators, it is not surprising to notice that levels of women empowerment also vary largely across the regions. But, what is interesting to see here is that whether the link between empowerment of women with the demographic issues like ideal number of children and sex preference etc. also varies across regions and over time. The present study tries to address the above objective. Two National Family Health Survey data sets conducted during 1998-1999, 2005-2006 have been used. It has been found that the impact of empowerment of women on her actual fertility, desired number of children and sex preference varies significantly across regions and over time. Present study suggests that both the regional and the temporal features of women empowerment are to be taken into account prior to using it as a strategy for controlling fertility.