Modernization, gender equality, and mortality rates in less developed countries

Although greater accessibility to health care and increasing levels of educ ation among residents of less developed countries have clearly contributed to mortality decline, few theoretical models to date have adequately explai ned the relationship. A comprehensive model of mortality decline should doc ument both the factors that directly drive down mortality rates and the und erlying structural dynamics that give rise to such direct effects. The pres ent article draws on fundamental diffusion concepts and a psychosociologica l model of modernization that attempts to explain how less developed countr ies increase their availability of health care services and reduce gender i nequality. Two diffusion mechanisms are argued to be operating: the transfe r of raw material goods and technology through the international capitalist exchange system and the transfer of modern values, ideas, practices, and k nowledge through the mass media. The model was tested with data on four mea sures of mortality for a sample of 43 less developed countries circa 1993. Partial support is found for the model, and suggestions for future research are made.