This paper investigates the determinants affecting the intrahousehold distribution of welfare in poor rural households. Using data from a detailed household survey, we show that many of thc factors commonly thought to affect intrahousehold welfare have no significant effect. In particular, access to independent income, control over current decisions and expenditures, and expectations regarding the disposition of assets upon divorce have no systematic effect on nutrition, health, or leisure time. In contrast, intellectual capacity is a strong predictor of nutritional and health status.