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Human Capital Attainment and Gender Empowerment: The Kerala Paradox

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  • Aparna Mitra
  • Pooja Singh

Abstract

Objectives. The State of Kerala in southwestern India shows the highest gender development index in the country. Despite having the highest literacy rate and educational achievements of women, the suicide rate among females is very high, and domestic violence committed against women is increasing every year in Kerala. This article attempts to analyze the demographic, social, and cultural changes that are occurring in order to understand this apparent paradox of high human capital attainment and high violence and suicides experienced by women in Kerala. Methods. The study uses data from the Census of India (1991, 2001), National Crime Records Bureau (1998–2000), and Reproductive and Child Health (District Level House Hold Survey—2001) to analyze trends in crime, violence, and suicide rates, and demographic profiles of the different districts in Kerala. Results. High educational attainment has fostered new aspirations and attitudes among women in Kerala. Yet, societal and cultural norms still dictate that women should be subservient to men both at home and in the labor market. This imbalance often contributes to family violence and suicides in Kerala. Thus, beneath the veil of development lie some disturbing social, cultural, and economic issues that may be contributing to high rates of suicide and family violence in Kerala. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that high educational attainment alone will not promote gender empowerment unless the social and cultural fabric of a country or state ensures equality of women in all areas of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Aparna Mitra & Pooja Singh, 2007. "Human Capital Attainment and Gender Empowerment: The Kerala Paradox," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 88(5), pages 1227-1242, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:88:y:2007:i:5:p:1227-1242
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2007.00500.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Neethi P, 2010. "Globalisation Lived Locally: New Forms of Control, Conflict and Response Among Labour in Kerala, Examined Through a Labour Geography Lens," Working Papers id:2431, eSocialSciences.
    2. Riad, Germeen & Forden, Carie, 2021. "“If we didn't talk, we would be like ostriches burying our heads in the sand”: Attitudes toward sexuality, gender, and sex education among child protection social workers in Egypt," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    3. Onah, Michael Nnachebe & Horton, Susan, 2018. "Male-female differences in households' resource allocation and decision to seek healthcare in south-eastern Nigeria: Results from a mixed methods study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 84-91.
    4. Vinoj Abraham, 2012. "The Deteriorating Labour Market Conditions and Crime: An Analysis of Indian States during 2001-2008," Millennial Asia, , vol. 3(2), pages 207-231, July.
    5. Ip, Melody W.S. & Manning, Matthew & Wong, Gabriel T.W. & Wong, Dennis S.W., 2020. "Exploring key risk factors of intimate partner violence among chinese college students," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    6. Caroline Mtaita & Elvis Safary & Katanta Simwanza & Rose Mpembeni & Samuel Likindikoki & Albrecht Jahn, 2023. "Knowledge, Implementation, and Gaps of Gender-Based Violence Management Guidelines among Health Care Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-12, April.

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