Title: Fertility, biology, and behavior: an analysis of the proximate determinants

POPLINE Document Number: 017625

Author(s):

Bongaarts J
Potter RG

Source citation:

New York, N.Y./London, England, Academic Press, 1983. xi, 230 p. (In series: Studies in Population)

Abstract:

The proximate determinants of fertility are the biological and behavioral factors through which social, economic, and environmental variables affect fertility. Proximate determinants have direct influence on fertility. In studying natural fertility, it is seen that the duration of postpartum amenorrhea varies widely among regions, from a few months to 2 years with the waiting time to conception varying within a narrower range. Spontaneous intrauterine mortality and the prevalence of natural permanent sterility are relatively constant and not directly influenced by behavior. A comparison of the changes in natural fertility induced by the different proximate determinants yields a ranking of their importance in causing variations in natural fertility. A study of 8 populations with varying levels of fertility shows a general trend toward lower fertility, later marriage, and higher contraceptive prevalence, a close correlation between fertility levels and contraceptive prevalence, a negative effect of urban residence and higher education on the level of contraceptive use, and many exceptions to the general pattern of lower marital fertility among higher socioeconomic status groups. Marriage, contraception, induced abortion, and postpartum infecundability are considered the principal determinants of fertility while natural fecundability, spontaneous intrauterine mortality, and permanent sterility are less important. The conditions necessary for specified degrees of fertility control are considered: 1) family size control, 2) birth spacing, and 3) sex preselection.

Keywords:

Global
Fertility Determinants
Social Sciences
Biology
Natural Fertility
Family Planning
Differential Fertility
Models, Theoretical
Marriage Postponement
Birth Spacing
Family Size
Family Size, Ideal
Fecundability
Sex Preselection
Intermediate Variables
Biological Characteristics
Behavior
Reproductive Behavior
Contraceptive Usage
Sterilization, Sexual
Abortion
Fertility
Socioeconomic Factors
Fertility Rate
Use-Effectiveness
Sex Factors
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Research Methodology
Marriage
Nuptiality
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Fecundity
Reproduction
Reproductive Technologies
Contraception
Fertility Control, Postconception
Economic Factors
Birth Rate
Fertility Measurements
Contraceptive Effectiveness
Population Characteristics
Examinations and Diagnoses