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The implications of the demographic transition for women, girls and gender equality: a review of developing country evidence

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  • Kirsty McNay

    (Pauling Centre for Human Sciences, University of Oxford, 58a Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6QS, UK, kirsty.mcnay@human-sciences.ox.ac.uk)

Abstract

The demographic transition has become a dramatic global phenomenon, in which most developing countries are now participating. While much has been written about the impact of women’s roles and status on the transition, significantly less has been said about the relationship in the other direction, i.e., the implications of declining mortality and fertility for women’s lives. This paper presents a review of the evidence on these consequences in developing countries. It argues that although the demographic transition is generally a positive process for women, there is not always a straightforward link to improvements in female status and gender equality.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirsty McNay, 2005. "The implications of the demographic transition for women, girls and gender equality: a review of developing country evidence," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 5(2), pages 115-134, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:5:y:2005:i:2:p:115-134
    DOI: 10.1191/1464993405ps109oa
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    References listed on IDEAS

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