Effect of wealth on marital fertility in Sri Lanka

This study examines the effect of household wealth on marital fertility in Sri Lanka. Data on type of dwelling, availability of vehicles, and electrical equipment in households were combined with estimates of 'typical' rupee values of various elements to generate an index of their wealth. Differentials in value of the wealth indices among sociodemographic subgroups of population are also described. The results of the study showed that, after controlling for other variables, higher levels of household wealth were associated with lower fertility. There were also significant effects of participation of female labour force, ethnicity, age-at-marriage, and parity on current fertility. However, after controlling for wealth and other explanatory variables, the effect of female education was not significant. If the model were to remain constant over time, raising levels of wealth would reduce marital fertility in Sri Lanka.