Title: Fertility and education: what do we really know?

POPLINE Document Number: 792202

Author(s):

Cochrane SH

Source citation:

Washington. D.C., Johns Hopkins University Press, 1979. 175 p. (World Bank Staff Occasional Papers 26)

Abstract:

This is an examination of the ways in which education affects fertility. Numerous studies are cited which indicate an inverse relationship between education and fertility, i.e., increased education resulting in decreased fertility. Further studies have shown that the relationship is nonlinear, however, fertility may, in fact, increase with increased education. The intervening variables--age at marriage, desired family size, and contraceptive knowledge--through which education increases affect fertility are studied. Relationships and collected data are modelled, graphed, and tabulated. Positive associations between fertility and education are shown to result mainly from the effect of education on the biological supply of children, determined by health and effects of traditional sexual taboos. Inverse relations between education and fertility are less likely to result in the least developed countries. Female education is more likely to relate inversely with fertility than male education. Urban area education is more likely to relate inversely with fertility than rural area education. Increased education in countries with higher literacy levels is more likely to relate inversely with fertility than in less literate countries. Implications for further research are drawn. Implications for policy from this study would seem to be a priority on female education.

Keywords:

Statistical Studies
Fertility Rate
Socioeconomic Factors
Birth Rate
Education
Contraceptive Usage
Motivation
Men
Women
Marital Status
Family Size
Age Factors
Sex Preference
Population Policy
Economic Development
Studies
Research Methodology
Fertility Measurements
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Economic Factors
Contraception
Family Planning
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Nuptiality
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Population Characteristics
Value Orientation
Social Policy
Policy