62 SOCIAL SCIENTIST with fertility behaviour. She correctly identifies the status of women as a crucial area, and concentrates on this aspect to show how class and gender inequality has influenced attitudes to fertility, not only in Bangladesh but other LDCs as well. She however cautions that methodology remains primarily theoretical since indicators are not refined enough nor is the data sufficient to make an adequate linkage. Policy alternatives suggested are: 1. Reduce the insurance benifit of sons by economic opportunity. 2. Improve infant health and survival. 3. Improve status of women so that ambitions regarding daughters may also develop. 4. This will have an impact on fertility regulation as well. To look at the question of family size and fertility in cost benefit terms helps to realise the magnitude of the problem as well as the burden borne by women in poor Asian countries. NINA RAO College of Vocational Studies University of Delhi