Comparison of Fertility Behaviour of Four Northern States (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) with Tamil Nadu: A Decomposition Analysis

Abstract

There  are  various  factors which influence  fertility  behaviour  and  each  factor  operates with different  strength. Previous literatures has identified female education, place of residence, wealth index predominantly influence the fertility rate of any region. So in this study the analysis is carried out to see if the education, wealth and place of residence of the four northern state (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) same as Tamil Nadu then their fertility will be as same as Tamil Nadu? But this study reveals that these factors are not the main fertility declining factor in Tamil Nadu. There are other state specific factors which are influencing more on fertility reduction then the aforesaid factors. Then the question arises, What are the other state factors?

Keywords: Fertility, Decomposition, Wealth, Education, Cultural