GENDER INEQUALITY AND FERTILITY IN 2 NEPALI VILLAGES

Two villages in Nepal chosen for study were expected to produce a shar p contrast in gender inequality, especially in women's autonomy. Auton omy was measured through questions to wives about their freedom of mov ement and about their role in household decisionmaking. The two settin gs provide a sharp contrast in women's autonomy by these measures. The authors argue that this contrast in autonomy influences fertility: gr eater autonomy reduces the desire for additional children, increases c ontraceptive use, and lowers levels of unmet need for contraception. T he empirical analysis supports these arguments.