Father and Fathering in India: Implications from Nationwide National Family Health Survey

Niyati Joshi, Institute of Economic Growth
Prachi N. Surti, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Chander Shekhar, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

This paper explores the extent of fathering (male involvement in child care) by examining National Family Health Survey (1998-99) data in India. It tries to capture fathering indirectly, by analysing father's socio-economic and demographic characteristics and various child-care correlates. Regional analysis has been done to study the impact of cultural variations upon fathering. Estimation of the extent of fathering has been done by cross tabulating father's characteristics and childcare correlates – Immunization (DPT, Polio, and Measles) and Childhood diseases (Pneumonia, Fever, and Diarrhoea). An attempt has also been made to explore the extent of inter-spousal communication and decision-making regarding family planning and unwanted pregnancies that intensely affect child health. The study indicated that factors like father's educational and occupational status, type of earning (cash/non-cash), ethnicity, religion and couple’s ideal family size norms largely affect fathering. Regional analysis indicates that cultural variations have strong impact on the extent of fathering.