Age at marriage and fertility in Taiwan

"This study is concerned with the effects of age at marriage on fertility in Taiwan, with the primary objective of understanding the nature and causes of the recent upsurge of the...birth rate." Data are taken from the population register for the period 1975 to 1978 and from two fertility surveys undertaken in 1967 and 1976. It is found that the increase in the birth rate between 1975 and 1978 was primarily due to a large increase in the proportion and number of women aged 25 to 29. It was also due, in part, to an increase in the age at marriage. The effects of shifts in marriage duration, improved fecundability, and increases in premarital pregnancy are also considered. The author suggests that a further decline in fertility is unlikely in the near future unless there are changes in traditional family values, son preference, and number of children desired. (summary in CHI)