GENDER INEQUALITY AND FERTILITY IN 2 NEPALI VILLAGES

Two villages in Nepal chosen for study were expected to produce a sharp contrast in gender inequality, especially in women's autonomy. Autonomy was measured through questions to wives about their freedom of movement and about their role in household decisionmaking. The two settings provide a sharp contrast in women's autonomy by these measures. The authors argue that this contrast in autonomy influences fertility: greater autonomy reduces the desire for additional children, increases contraceptive use, and lowers levels of unmet need for contraception. The empirical analysis supports these arguments.