Gender Equality and Inequality in Rural India: Blessed with a Son

Book Details:

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

• ISBN: 9781349960590

• Language: English

• Binding: Hardback

• Pages: 228

• Publication Year: 2022

• Sale Territory: This edition may not be sold outside India

About the Book:

"Gender Equality and Inequality in Rural India" focuses on the socio-economic development of women in rural India and the persistent gender disparities despite significant strides in policies aimed at improving women's lives. India has made efforts to tackle issues like dowry, child marriage, and promoting girls' education, but challenges remain, especially in rural areas.

Based on a study conducted in a village in Maharashtra, this book delves into the connection between economic development and women's empowerment, particularly focusing on women's reproductive health and sex preference. Carol Vlassoff highlights the impact of son preference on fertility decisions and how women's economic roles extend beyond wage labor and household duties. She argues that improving women's social empowerment is crucial for reproductive health, but it must be paired with policies that create employment opportunities for women.

The book presents robust statistical analysis to show that women’s education and professional labor force participation contribute significantly to improved reproductive health, reduced son preference, lower fertility rates, and reduced infant and child mortality, thereby enhancing the overall wellbeing of rural communities.

Contents:

1. The Importance of Sons in Indian Culture

2. Methodology of the Village Study

3. The Village Context: Changes over Three Decades

4. Empowerment, Gender Attitudes, and Reproductive Decisions among Married Women, Then and Now

5. The Influence of Son Preference on Fertility Intentions and Subsequent Behavior

6. Sons, Land Division, Inheritance, and Household Labor Allocation Strategies

7. Adolescent Gender Roles: Are They Evolving?

8. The Situation of Widows: Do Sons and Brothers Help?

9. Toward Gender Equality in Rural India: Prospects for Change

About the Author:

Carol Vlassoff is an Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She is known for her research in gender studies and reproductive health, with a particular focus on rural India.