Revisiting Patrilocality and Women's Socio-Economic Status in India: A Causal Approach

Abstract: Using nationally representative Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) data (2011-12), the study identifies significant deterrence effect of patrilocality on women’s socio-economic status including bargaining power within family, autonomy of mobility, decision-making power about work and access to credit. The study also addresses the potential threat of endogeneity of patrilocal co-residence and establishes the causal impact which is negative and significant. While the existing literature primarily evaluates patrilocality in rural setup, this study finds that such institution is equally visible in urban India and no heterogeneous impact is found across regions. Keywords: Patrilocality, Women’s Status, IV Analysis, India JEL Classification Number: J12, J16, C36, D0