Female Literacy in India-The Urban Dimension

Using 1981 Census data, this paper undertakes a socio-geographic analysis of female literacy both for the non- scheduled and scheduled caste segments of the population in class I cities of India. Literacy is examined in relation to the levels for the corresponding male counterparts. Viewed thus, the sex and caste disparities that exist provide insights into biases affecting females and scheduled castes. These biases appear to vary along a north- south dimension. Finally, in order to interpret the pattern, a number of socio-economic correlates of female literacy such as presence of particular communities which foster female education or vice versa, and composition of workforce, are identified. The relative position of major localities, as far their literacy status is concerned, seems to be essentially the same as it has been since long. Whatever breakthrough is visible can be attributed to the actions of social movements.