Determinants of Fertility in Advanced Societies.

Abstract

This book is an overall review of the research and theories on the social factors determining fertility in advanced countries. The question is both how to beget enough children and not too many. Measures of fertility are standard: age-specific birth rate crude birth rate. The theories of fertility are Malthuss theory of population; demographic transition; and economic theory. Determinants of fertility in centuries preceding the modern period are based on parish registers genealogies and literary sources. The economic and social background of the decline of fertility in some parts of Europe and high fertility in others is reviewed. The sources of data are Time series of vital statistical data census fertility data fertility surveys and international regional cross-sectional analylses of fertility. The social factors of fertility are marriage and knowledge of birth control. Demographic profiles are a social measure of determinant factors. An attempt is made to combine the economic and sociological theories of fertility. Womens status is one of the primary determinants the author concludes. Womens education and employment history determines whether or not she stays at home. Whether or not a woman stays at home determines her reproductive history. Nurseries and daycare centers may affect a womans decision about producing children.

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