Determinants of fertility in three north Indian states: caste, female autonomy and economic development

This paper examines some of the determinants of fertility in three fairly homogenous states in northern India. The results show that scheduled tribe status - though not the scheduled caste status - has a substantial negative effect on fertility. The results also provide strong support for the view that improving the position of women through more equitable social and economic development will have a far greater impact on fertility reduction than will the provision of family planning services. Finally, the results provide indirect support for the view that increased income leads to increased fertility and that children are not 'inferior goods'.