Title: The age of demographic transition: mortality and fertility.

POPLINE Document Number: 201255

Author(s):

Marschalck P

Source citation:

In: Population, labour and migration in 19th- and 20th-century Germany, edited by Klaus J. Bade. New York, New York, Berg Publishers Ltd., 1987. :15-34. (German Historical Perspectives Volume 1.)

Abstract:

German population history of the last 2 centuries is the history of important changes in reproductive behavior, which are comprised within the concept of demographic transition, the transition from an ancient demographic regime to a modern system of population and society. The demographic situation in 18th century Germany was relatively stable and characterized by high mortality, especially infant and child mortality, and estimated life expectancy of 32.5 years, high marital fertility, and low population growth. Mortality crises were determined by epidemics and bad harvests. Population growth in preindustrial demographic systems is closely connected with possibilities of marriage, which again are closely linked to the means of subsistence available. Social reforms liberated agriculture from feudal demands and introduced free trade, which led to increasing numbers of marriages, and rapid population growth. Mortality decline in Germany began in 1865 with a spectacular reduction in child mortality. The rapid, large increases in life expectancy, together with changes in fertility, produced an age structure quite different from that of the 19th century German population. different economic sectors, income groups, religious groups, and regional populations underwent rapid fertility decline within the same period, but they did so at different rates. Until about 1930, nearly all differentials were maintained and even expanded. The decline in fertility was also more intense than the decline mortality. The relationship between labor market and fertility must be taken as indirect, and the different intervening variables need not necessarily be economic determinants. From preindustrial times up to the beginning of the fertility decline about 1900 in Germany, the Malthusian statement can still be accepted as a suitable approach to population growth issues. Today's demographic situation demands yet another question: what are the reasons today that people have children?

Keywords:

Germany, Federal Republic Of
German Democratic Republic
Europe, Western
Europe, Eastern
Europe
Demographic Transition
Population Theory
Population
Mortality Changes
Fertility Changes
Infant Mortality Changes
Child Mortality
Macroeconomic Factors
Changes
Marriage Patterns
Life Expectancy
Europe, Central
Developed Countries
Developing Countries
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Demography
Social Sciences
Mortality
Fertility
Infant Mortality
Economic Factors
Social Change
Marriage
Nuptiality
Length of Life