It has long been alleged that one reason people in developing countries have so many children is for old age security. Without reliable saving instruments or public pension programmes, children will be the best bet. And because infant and child mortality rates are high in poorer states, having a large number of children helps ensure that at least some children – of the ‘right’ gender – will survive to provide support in old age.
However, with migration of children, older parents in many rural areas are left to fend for themselves. In a district like Pathanamthitha. . .
