4.1 Fertility Rate

What is fertility rate?

The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime.

What is total fertility rate (TFR)?

The average number of children born per woman during her childbearing years.

What is replacement fertility level?

The fertility rate needed to maintain a stable population

What happens when fertility falls below replacement level?

Population ageing and possible population decline.

What is a high fertility rate?

A fertility rate significantly above replacement level.

What is a low fertility rate?

A fertility rate below replacement level.

How does female education affect fertility?

Higher education levels usually lower fertility rates.

How does access to contraception affect fertility?

Improved access generally reduces fertility rates.

How does urbanisation affect fertility?

Urban residents often choose smaller families.

How does economic development affect fertility?

Increased development tends to reduce fertility rates.

How does infant mortality affect fertility?

Higher infant mortality often encourages larger families.

How does female employment affect fertility?

Women may delay childbirth and have fewer children.

How can government policies affect fertility?

Governments may encourage or discourage births through incentives or restrictions.

Why do fertility rates tend to be higher in LICs?

Children provide labour and social security.

Why do fertility rates tend to be lower in HICs?

Higher living costs and changing lifestyles.

What is meant by demographic transition?

Changes in birth and death rates as countries develop.

During which DTM stage is fertility usually highest?

Stage 2.

During which DTM stage is fertility usually lowest?

Stage 5.

How does access to healthcare affect fertility?

Improved healthcare often lowers fertility rates.

How does child survival affect fertility decisions?

Parents may choose to have fewer children when child survival improves.