The Power of TV: Cable Television and Women’s Status in India

The introduction of cable television improved the status of women in rural Indian communities.

Introduction

In India, a preference for boy children has fueled sex-selective abortions and neglect of girl children, resulting in an unnatural, male-skewed population, which has been particularly pronounced in certain areas. Girls face discrimination in health care, nutrition, and education, more so in rural areas than urban ones. Over the last two decades, cable television has been introduced to rural villages. As previous studies have shown, cable television can influence viewers’ opinions and behavior. This study examines how the introduction of cable television impacts the status of women in rural India.

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