Showing papers on "Fertility published in 1981"

Fertility economy and household formation in England over three centuries

Abstract: This paper using pretransitional England as a case-study assesses long term trends in family organization and associated fertility in a society in which parity-dependent fertility control was for the most part absent. It also considers the means by which institutions especially those to do with labor organizations and family welfare mediated between trends in real incomes and completed family sizes. The study concludes that the distinctiveness of the English experience stems from the culturally specific nature of the rules of household formation that gave changes in marriage age and incidence a fundamental role in determining the markedly dynamic quality of fertility before the late nineteenth century. It is found that "these household formation rules appear not to have been much altered by the growth of agrarian and industrial capitalism although they did undermine the capacity of the demographic system to act homeostatically." (summary in FRE SPA)

The impact of migration on fertility: An ‘own children’ analysis for Thailand

Abstract: Reflecting a growing concern with high rates of urban growth in less developed countries, increasing attention focuses on the fertility of migrants to such places. The present study explores the relations between fertility, migration, and urbanization, using ‘own children’ data from the 1970 Census of Thailand. Information on ‘own children’ less than one year old is used to approximate fertility levels in the year before the census, and that on ‘own children’ aged 1–4 fertility levels during the four preceding years. Since migration was defined as a move to current residence between 1965 and 1970, the statistics on ‘own children’ less than five years old allow scrutiny of fertility during the period immediately before and after migration. Controlling for a variety of socio-economic characteristics of currently married women aged 20–49, and using several analytical approaches, the current fertility of migrants was consistently found to be higher than their own earlier fertility and higher than tha...

Successful outcome of pregnancy in women with hypothyroidism.

Abstract: Published data on the influence of hypothyroidism on fertility, gestation, and the offspring are controversial. We studied nine hypothyroid women during 11 pregnancies. Mean serum values f...

The nutrition fertility link: an evaluation of the evidence.

Abstract: The determinants of age-specific marital fertility rates in non-contracepting populations are discussed and the physiological link between nutrition and reproduction in women who are chronically malnourished rather than famished are examined. Initial attention is directed to menarche and menopause for these set the outer bounds to the time of childbearing. This is followed by a discussion of the determinants of birth interval. Birth interval and its components are of primary concern because if populations are to fit different numbers of births into similar childbearing spans the intervals between these births must vary. There is reason to believe that the age of menarche might be affected by the level of nutrition. In some countries where nutrition has remained inadequate the age of menarche is comparatively high. Like the age at menarche the age at menopause is likely to have had little influence on overall fertility in Europe. The meager evidence available suggests that the mean age at last birth appears to vary little among populations which do not practice birth control. The length of postpartum anovulation the period after a birth when there is no ovulation is a primary determinant of variation in the length of the birth interval. Research in which the direct measurement of the duration of breastfeeding was possible found that breastfeeding was the primary determinant of the length of postpartum amenorrhea. Researchers in Bangladesh and in Guatemala have found a slight negative relation between nutritional status and the duration of postpartum amenorrhea.

The Impact of the Female Marriage Squeeze and the Contraceptive Revolution on Sex Roles and the Women's Liberation Movement in the United States, 1960 to 1975.

Abstract: This paper argues that the advent of the Womens Liberation Movement was very much interconnected to the revolution in contraceptive technology which began in 1960 and a marked shift in the ratio of males to females at marriageable age a change which took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The former change reduced the number of women in the traditional role of wife and mother; the latter not only had the same effect but also reduced the benefits or compensation to be obtained from following that role. These 2 changes not only helped spawn the Womens Liberation Movement but also influenced the proportion of women who married the divorce rate the marital fertility rate the illegitimacy ratio and male-female differences both in education and in labor force participation. (Authors)

Breastfeeding: patterns correlates and fertility effects.

Abstract: Paper based on data generated by the World Fertility Survey in 8 countries: Bangladesh Indonesia Sri Lanka Jordan Peru Guyana Colombia and Panama. The authors address the following issues among others: the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding; variations in the duration of breastfeeding among different subgroups classified by age parity womans education etc; the key determinants of breastfeeding; and the effect of breastfeeding on fertility. The large majority of women in all the countries breastfed their last 2 children the number who did not ranging from 2 to 18%. Duration ranged from 9 months (Panama) to 29 months (Bangladesh). Key determinants were womens education place of residence husbands occupation and survival status of the child--consistent for all 8 countries. Women with more education and those living in urban areas breastfeed for shorter periods. Sex of child age and parity of mother and mothers work experience showed no independent effect on duration of breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding is not used for family limitation the possibility that it is used to prolong birth intervals cannot be ruled out. Average length of last closed birth interval increased with prolonged breastfeeding in all 8 countries. 1 month of breastfeeding adds an average of 0.4 months to the birth interval although there was considerable variation among the countries. To what extent these variations may be due to differences in reporting errors or to other factors could not be determined. (Authors modified)

Age-Specific Fertility in Three Populations of the Koala, Phascolarctos cinereus Goldfuss, in Victoria

Abstract: Mean fertility in three koala populations in Victoria in 1979 varied from 63% on French I, to 13% at Walkerville and 22% on Phillip I. Similar differences between the two island populations have existed for at least 30 y. A method of assigning animals to age classes on the basis of the wear patterns on the premolar was devised and reproduction in 1979 examined on an age-specific basis. The low fertility was associated with a reproductive failure among females older than 3 y. On Phillip I. this is thought to be due to a widespread reproductive tract disease in females, possibly caused by ingestion of phytooestrogens from eucalypt foliage. At Walkerville a combination of reproductive tract disease, poor nutrition and heavy tick burdens is thought to be the cause.

Breast-feeding, fertility, and family planning.

Abstract: Studies show that breastfeeding is ideal for infant nutrition and is an important means of spacing births Breast milk provides some immunological protection to the infant protects against infection and malnutrition satisfies the infants nutritional needs and costs less than other feeding substitutes Breastfeeding also protects against pregnancy although the length of the contraceptive effect cannot be predicted Analysis of breastfeeding trends and patterns shows that although most women in developing countries initially breastfeed their children the length of breastfeeding is declining especially in urban areas The practice of breastfeeding in contrast appears to be increasing in some developed countries after several decades of decline Breastfeeding trends and patterns may be influenced by the following sociodemographic factors: 1) urban-rural residence 2) parental education and socioeconomic status 3) mothers age and parity 4) support from family and friends 5) mothers employment and 6) contraceptive use Biological scientists and demographers are unanimous in concluding that although breastfeeding substantially contributes to birth spacing and fertility control in many areas it is an unreliable means of contraception Breastfeeding women are therefore advised to seek alternative means of contraception to avoid pregnancy The effects of hormonal contraception on breastfeeding have not been established but the following points can be made: 1) combined estrogen-progestin oral pills decrease milk volume in some cases 2) progestin-only contraception does not affect milk volume or increase it 3) small doses of hormones used for contraception do not appear to prevent initiation of lactation and 4) minute amounts of hormones are transmitted to the infant in breast milk and although no serious effects have been observed the long-term effects are unknown Determining the appropriate contraception during breastfeeding requires consideration of the womans personal preference availability and convenience of various methods impact on fertility of starting different methods at different times after delivery and possible effects on lactation Implications for family planning programs and research needs are also discussed

Implications for women of changing marriage transactions in Bangladesh.

Abstract: Recent changes in marriage transactions in Bangladesh have led increasingly to a shift in the burden of marriage expenses from the groom's family of the bride. This reversal in the direction of wealth exchanges, which may not be in the best interest of the bride, reflects social and economic changes that have increased the income potential of the groom, which now surpasses previously valued attributes of the bride. In this paper, anthropologist Shirley Lindenbaum examines the effects of these changes on women and their implications for female fertility and mortality. An earlier version of this paper was presented to the New York Academy of Science on 25 February 1980.

Population Trends, Population Policy, and Population Studies in China

Abstract: Recently available data confirm reports of a Chinese population of almost a billion with a very low death rate and a birth rate that has been halved in 15 years. Illustrative projections of the demographic implications of different trajectories of future fertility demonstrate that a cessation of growth by 2000 would require implausably low fertility and result in extremely unbalanced age distributions -- neither of which would be acceptable as policy goals. Such projections illustrate the value of demographic research in formulating Chinese population policies. Sparseness of existing Chinese resources in the social sciences and statistics however is a major hindrance to the growth of population science within the country. (Authors) (Summaries in ENG FRE SPA)

Preservation of fowl semen in liquid nitrogen: application to breeding programmes.

Abstract: 1. A method of freezing semen of individual males was adapted for use under farm conditions using an automated freezing apparatus. 2. An insemination programme to produce high fertility and hatchability with semen which had been deep frozen for 2 months was devised. 3. Over 90% fertile eggs with a 90% hatch of all eggs set was obtained with frozen and thawed semen over a period from the 2nd to the 12th day after the first of four inseminations. The persistency of fertility was also tested and 93, 86.6 and 30.7% of the eggs were fertile during days 2 to 6, 2 to 8 and 9 to 15 after the last insemination. 4. Corresponding with the high fertility rate, chicks were produced by every hen that was inseminated and from every male whose semen was frozen and stored. The implications for future breeding practices of this successful result are discussed.

[Effect of an oral progestin on the estrous cycle and fertility of mares]. [Conference paper]. [English]

Abstract: On February 4, 14 of 28 seasonally anestrous mares were fed .044 mg per kilogram of body weight of an oral progestin, allyl trenbolone (17a-allyl-estratriene 4-9-11, 17/3-ol-3-one) for 12 days. There was no difference (P>.05) between groups for the number of mares exhibiting estrus after treatment or follicular activity during or after treatment. After March 6, 18 mares that had not yet ovulated were used in a second trial. On day 3 of estrus, nine of 18 mares were a~signed to be fed allyl trenbolone for 12 days. Estrus ceased in all mares within 3 days of treatment. Duration of post-treatment estrus, interval from end of treatment to ovulation and from estrus to ovulation were shorter (P<.01) for treated mares. Influence of stage of cycle at the onset of treatment was evaluated in a third trial. Mares (N = 25) were assigned to one of five groups: 1) controls artificially inseminated every other day (E/O) during estrus; 2) fed allyl trenbolone for 12 days beginning day 3 of estrus and bred E/O; and groups 3 to 5) fed allyl trenbolone for 12 days beginning day 3 of estrus or days 5 or 10 of diestrus. Mares in groups 3, 4 and 5 were given HCG (3,300 IU) on day 17 and inseminated on days 17 and 19. The interval from treatment to estrus was shorter (P<.05) for mares treated during diestrus vs those treated during estrus. Pregnancy rates were not different (P>.IO) among groups

Religion and Fertility: Arab Christian-Muslim Differentials

Abstract: 1. Theoretical framework 2. Data and methodology Data 3. Lebanese religious groups 4. Religious fertility differentials 5. Religious differentials in family size preferences 6. Religious differentials in fertility control knowledge, attitudes and practices 7. Summary and conclusions.

The effect of female education on fertility: A simple explanation

Abstract: This paper investigates the structure of the relationship between female education and fertility. It is based on data published in First Country Reports of the World Fertility Surveys for eleven countries—Costa Rica, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Panama, Fiji, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. The cumulative marital fertility of educated women is shown to be similar in different settings. A lack of uniformity in the education and fertility relationship including the curvilinear nature of this relationship observed across countries is shown to be attributable to marked differences between countries in the average fertility of women with no education rather than to the presumed differences in the average fertility of the educated women. The structure of the relationship is shown to be similar across several developing countries. This analysis suggests that advancement in female education can be expected to influence fertility behavior even without simultaneous changes in other factors such as increasing opportunity for participation in the paid labor force in the modem sector.

The trend toward delayed parenthood.

Abstract: Since the early 60s there has been a trend to delay 1st births. About 1/3 of 1st births are now to women of 25 years of age or older. The decreased risk of unwanted conception and birth has made it easier for couples to delay parenthood. In addition the preference for later parenthood may have increased with the increased education and labor force participation of women. The timing of 1st births affects fertility rates family economies and relations among generations. Delaying parenthood is a recent strategy adopted by women interested in careers especially those with higher education and by couples with an idea of adulthood that does not include parenting. (authors)

The mechanisms of demographic change in historical perspective.

Abstract: The "wealth flows theory" of fertility transition is applied here to historical population change and several problems are identified and explained. 2 distinct values of children are discussed: as a source of strength for protection as a source of wealth gained from a situational advantage in families where there is segmentation by age sex marital status and relationships in work inputs and consumption. It is argued that the balance between the values derived from these 2 sources changes over time. Much of traditional culture is concerned with maintaining the situational balance. The transformation of the cultural superstructure and of the value of children is examined during a transition from a system of familial production to one where much work is allocated by an external labor market. Late marriage of women in Europe before the later decades of the 19th century is discussed and the conclusion is reached that this had little to do with the desire to control the ultimate size of the family. It is argued that slow declines in fertility before the major transition may arise from changes in the locus of fertility decision making and in greater importance being given to the dislike by women of too many pregnancies births and periods with very young children. Why investment in children is possible when no other form of investment can be undertaken is also discussed. The contrast between western family and demographic change with no preexisting models and those found in a situation where a global economy and society are coming into being is examined. It is argued that no explanation of social and economic change is valid which cannot explain the demographic changes of the last 100 years. (Authors)

Incidence of congenital anomalies among white and black live births with long-term follow-up.

Abstract: The incidence of congenital anomalies at birth and accumulated to five years is presented for live-born children in a large prospective study. Congenital anomalies are not all diagnosable at birth; our data demonstrate that the incidence rate increases approximately three-and-one-halffold for Blacks and approximately fivefold for Whites between six days of age and five years of age. The incidence of congenital anomalies at birth was higher among Black children than White children, but there were no notable differences between the groups in incidence accumulated to age five years. At five years, the incidence rate of severe and moderate (but not trivial) congenital anomalies amounted to 15 per cent; for severe congenital anomalies, 4 per cent. Severe congenital anomalies diagnosed through age five years were observed to have a much higher incidence among children who weighted 2500 gm or less at birth than among those who were heavier.

Female Employment and Fertility in Peninsular Malaysia: The Maternal Role Incompatibility Hypothesis Reconsidered

Abstract: Multivariate analysis of the 1974 Malaysian Fertility and Family Survey tests the hypothesis that an inverse relationship between women’s work and fertility occurs only when there are serious conflicts between working and caring for children. The results are only partly consistent with the hypothesis and suggest that normative conflicts between working and mothering affect the employment-fertility relationship in Malaysia more than spacio-temporal conflicts do. The lack of consistent evidence for the hypothesis, as well as some conceptual problems, lead us to propose an alternative framework for understanding variation in the employment-fertility relationship, both in Malaysia and elsewhere. This framework incorporates ideas from the role incompatibility hypothesis but views the employment-fertility relationship as dependent not just on role conflicts but more generally on the structure of the household’s socioeconomic opportunities.

Do Husbands and Wives Agree? Fertility Attitudes and Later Behavior

Abstract: Analysis of the extent to which husbands and wives agree in their attitudes toward a number of key issues that may affect fertility behavior shows that although aggregate views of men and women are remarkably similar, marital couples are frequently in disagreement, particularly if measures discounting for chance agreement of responses are employed. In other words, we cannot accept either the husband or the wife as a surrogate respondent. These conclusions are based on data from cross-sectional surveys in a developing society, Taiwan, of 2000 couples in which the wife was of childbearing age. The impact on fertility of such marital disagreement varies with the attitude in question. Followup birth data over a four-year period indicate that, when there is disagreement, it is the wife's attitude that has more influence on fertility, particularly if she has the stronger belief about the future security and status to be derived from a large family and from sons.