Accounting for cross-national differences in infant mortality decline (1965-1991) among less developed countries: Effects of women's status, economicdependency, and state strength

The present study tests models derived from four theoretical perspectives: Modernization/free trade theory, gender inequality theory, developmental st ate theory, and dependency theory. It is based on a sample of 82 less devel oped countries for the period from 1965 to 1991. We find some support for e ach theoretical perspective. Foreign trade, investment, and debt dependency have adverse effects on infant mortality, mediated by variables linked to modernization/free trade theory and gender inequality theory. State strengt h has a beneficial direct effect on infant mortality decline. Women's educa tion and reproductive autonomy have significant direct effects, but also pl ay important roles as mediating variables as does rate of economic growth.