Gender Inequality and Fertility in Two Nepali Villages

Abstract

This study supports the authors argument that greater autonomy for women lowers fertility by reducing the desire for more children increasing contraceptive use and lowering the level of unmet need for contraception. Social context in general and gender inequality in particular are important determinants of fertility behavior. The theoretical strategy relies on the quasi-anthropological approach of Smith (1989). Surveys were conducted in two villages in Nepal Bagahi and Benighat both patriarchal but only the former practicing purdah (the seclusion of women). The research strategy controlled for demographic and socioeconomic setting in order to demonstrate the importance of different cultural and institutional contexts. The two settings reflect the more flexible social traditions of Hinduism (Benighat) which was influenced historically by Tibetan Buddhism and the more rigid Hinduism of the plains (Bagahi) which was influenced by Islam. The caste system is more rigid and more complex in Bagahi. In Benighat women have more freedom to visit a neighboring village involvement in household decision making and control of income. Surveys were conducted in early 1993 and supplemented with in-depth case studies interviews and observations. Survey responses were consistent with expectations. 31% of women in Benighat and 42% in Bagahi intended to have additional children. 40% in Benighat and 24% in Bagahi used contraception. 59% in Bagahi and 45% in Benighat intended no additional children and were not currently using contraception (unmet need). Findings indicate a stronger son preference in Bagahi and greater likelihood of contraceptive use among women with at least two sons. Women in Benighat who desired no more children were 1.8 times more likely to use contraception and on the four point autonomy scale for every higher stage the odds of contraceptive use increased by a factor of 1.29. The net effects of the setting reduced use by a factor of 0.83 to 1.5 times and the net effect of a step on the autonomy scale was reduced by a factor of 0.89 to 1.15 times.