Old Age Security and Fertility in Rural Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

This paper presents the results of comparative study of old age security value in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. The research hypothesis is that the lower the dependence of seniors on social security provided by children, the lower their fertility level. The results are based on interviews of 600 males aged 60 years and above comprising of 300 pensioners and 300 non-pensioners. The findings reveal that overwhelming proportions of non-pensioners expect support from children and rely to a great deal on them than their counter-parts (pensioners). Thus lower socio-economic status may be one of the main factors for high perceived old age security value of children, This study clearly supports the research hypothesis.