Female Education and Economic Growth: theoretical overview and two country cases

Abstract

This bachelor thesis examines if female education affects economic growth through human capital and fertility rate. To illustrate this aim, two country cases have been presented: India and Niger. The motive behind choosing India was because of the country's recent shift from developing to developed country. With its steady economic growth and large population, yet still some cultural and social barriers to overcome, India made an interesting case. Niger made a stimulating case because of the country's unstable economic growth and high illiteracy rates. To facilitate the reading of the paper as well to approach the topic not just from illustrative but also theoretical point of view, female education has been examined on a general level as well. Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that female education does affect economic growth, both directly and indirectly, through human capital and fertility rate.