1. Patterns of Urban-Rural Fertility Differentials in Developing Countries: A Suggested Framework
- Author
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M. P. T., Sally E. Findley, and Ann C. Orr
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,Sociology and Political Science ,Total fertility rate ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Population ,Developing country ,Fertility ,Development ,Birth rate ,Geography ,Urbanization ,Demographic economics ,Rural area ,education ,Developed country ,Demography ,media_common - Abstract
Urban and rural fertility patterns in developing countries are analyzed in an effort to identify how "place" and "person" factors influence fertility behavior. Data were collected for the period after 1965 from 30-40 developing countries distributed relatively proportionately between Latin America Africa and Asia. The 1970 round of censuses recent fertility and KAP surveys and supplemental information from statistical annuals or the United Nations Demographic Yearbook were used. Initially the pattern of differences was investigated to identify where urban fertility is lower than rural fertility and where it is not. After documenting the current pattern of urban-rural differentials the underlying causal factors producing these fertility differences were investigated. Included among the conclusions suggested by the analysis are the following: 1) urban fertility is 25% lower than rural fertility; 2) fertility declines occur 1st in urban areas and then in rural areas but the decline is not linear in either area and therefore the fertility differential fluctuates; 3) the age pattern of childbearing is important to understanding urban-rural differentials; 4) patterns of urbanization affect the overall and age-specific differentials; 5) regional factors also influence the fertility differentials; 6) there are sizable inter-urban and inter-rural fertility variations; 7) factors influencing fertility operate at 2 levels of community size; 8) heterogeneity and diverse opportunities may be the place characteristics of most importance; and 9) family size intentions are shaped by culturally and economically determined perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of children.
- Published
- 1980
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