Determinants of Female Autonomy across Indian States

This paper analyzes the condition of female autonomy and its determinants across states in India. The study relates to the year 2005-06 across states in India and uses National Family Health Survey 3 (NFHS-3) data. The results suggest that women autonomy which is one important reflector of development of a country is mostly dependent on social factors. Social backwardness and religious conservativeness have reduced the strength of decision making power of women compared to men in India. The results also indicate that rise in household income might lead to increase in the level of female autonomy.