Determinants of fertility differentials among the religious groups in Kerala

Abstract

Fertility differentials by religion have been observed in all the major states in India. Even though Kerala has achieved replacement level fertility, differences in the number of children are seen among the major religious groups. In the demographic literature several reasons have been put forwarded to explain the differentials in fertility among the religious groups. This study entitled Determinants of Fertility Differentials Among the Religious Groups in Kerala is an attempt to understand the factors that affect fertility differentials among the religious groups in Kerala. The principal data for the study are from the National Family Health Survey-II (NFHS, 1998-1999), a large survey that covered various aspects of fertility and family planning in all the States of India. Based on the aforesaid data the researcher examined the levels and trends of fertility by religion in Kerala. Religious differentials in fertility have been empirically documented in 14 districts of Kerala. The effect of religion on fertility is generally complicated because of the simultaneous effects of other variables that are difficult to control for adequately. An examination of the available data reveals that there are various socio-economic, demographic and geographic factors that determine religious fertility differentials in Kerala. In order to understand the nature of relationship between selected socio-economic variables and the district level fertility in Kerala, multiple regression analysis has been carried out relating to total fertility rates (TFR) to these factors, taking district as the unit of analysis for the state. Regression analysis clearly highlighted that percentage of Muslim population (PMP) played a significant role in determining district level fertility differentials in Kerala. In another analysis using NFHS-II data has been found that the influence of religion remains significant after controlling for other socio-economic variables.