Does lower fertility empower women? Evidence from rural Bangladesh

Key researcher

• Ummul Ruthbah

Description

Theoretically, lower fertility should enhance female autonomy. However, the impact of reduced fertility on female empowerment could be heterogeneous and differ by region. In this paper, using a Family Planning Program in Bangladesh as an instrument for fertility, I find that lower fertility gives women access to economic resources and control over their practice of clothing and greater physical mobility. I also find that there is a trade-off in female autonomy resulting from reduced fertility. In developing countries, where the women’s position in marriage is weak, lower fertility reduces the decision-making power of the women and curtails their property rights.