Kerala's Model: How Female Education Drives Fertility Reduction

Ismail Thamarasseri*
Periodicity:January - April'2025

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between female education and fertility in Kerala, a state in southern India known for its high literacy rates and significant socio-economic development. It explores the historical context of Kerala’s emphasis on education, tracing the contributions of Christian missionaries, princely states, and social reform movements. With a focus on government policies and programmes that have promoted female education, the study delves into how educational attainment among women has influenced fertility rates, particularly through mechanisms like delayed marriage, improved contraceptive use, increased employment opportunities, and empowerment in decision-making. Kerala’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.8, below the national average, serves as a case study in demonstrating how education can drive demographic shifts. The socio-economic implications of reduced fertility—ranging from enhanced economic growth and improved maternal and child health outcomes to greater gender equality—are also discussed. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including socio-economic inequalities and rural-urban divides. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations to sustain progress in female education and fertility reduction.

Keywords

Female Education, Fertility Rate, Kerala, Socio-economic Development, Empowerment

How to Cite this Article?

References

If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 15 15 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.