Exposing the Myths of Muslim Fertility : Gender and Religion in a Resettlement Colony of Delhi

As a consequence of the politicization of religion in India, the study of religious differentials in fertility and family planning is a highly sensitive issue. Not just the popular media but even scholarship has been instrumental in fomenting ideas about the alarming growth of the Muslim population due to Islamic beliefs and practices. Thus, the communalisation of the population debate has made any discussion of the reproductive practices of Muslims both highly contentious and deeply confused. This comparative study of two religious communities, Hindu and Muslim, in one of Delhi\'s slums throws considerable light on their reproductive behavior by going beyond commonly held stereotypes. It begins by exploring whether religious differences override the commonalities of gender class and socio-economic status. The exact nature and extent of differences between these two communities is carefully analysed drawing on aspects of women’s health, marriage practices, child mortality, migration, education and work patterns. Existing theories in the vast demographic literature, especially on there relationships between religion and fertility, are also, explored.