Impact of Female Literacy and Workforce Participation on Child Nutritional Status in India: Panel Data Estimation

Abstract

The current study aims to analyze the impact of maternal education and work status on child nutritional status in India. Child nutrition status is measured by underweight (Low weight-for-age), stunting (low height-for-age) and wasting (low weight-for-height). The study is based on the three rounds of NFHS data from 1992-93, 1998-99 and 2005-06 survey. The results suggest a significant impact of both maternal work status and education on the three indicators of nutrition standards. The results suggest that an increase in the percentage of non-working mothers leads to a negative impact on a child’s physical development in terms of height, weight and overall growth. Female’s literacy rates are not only seen to be associated significantly in reduction of the percentage of children being underweight, stunted or wasted, but also contributes in bringing down the child mortality rate in India.