ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the meaning of social and biological reproduction and explores the importance of gender differences in education. Biological reproduction encompasses childbearing and early nurturing of infants, which only women are physiologically capable of performing. By social reproduction is meant the care and maintenance of the household. In addition to household maintenance, social reproduction also includes social management. The household is the locus of reproduction so that social relations within the household play a crucial role in determining women’s role in economic development. In order to understand fully the nature of women’s subordination and their role in the development process, it is essential to study both reproduction and production and the interrelations between them. In addition to the link between a woman’s education level and her decision as to the number of children she wants, more general changes in society also affect fertility rates. Income, urbanization and most importantly educating girls are associated with lower fertility rates.
