Economic development and fertility: an empirical analysis using cross-national data

Area of Science:

• Economics
• Demography
• Sociology

Background:

• Fertility studies were historically outside economic theory until the 1950s.
• Economic analysis has expanded to include non-market household behavior and human capital.
• This expansion enables the economic study of fertility dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the statistical assumptions underpinning economic models of fertility.
• To critically evaluate the methodologies used in analyzing the relationship between economic development and fertility.
• To provide a foundation for more robust statistical analysis in this interdisciplinary field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing economic theories on fertility.
• Analysis of statistical assumptions in multiple regression models.
• Examination of areal cross-national data methodologies.

Main Results:

• Identified critical statistical assumptions in common fertility-economic models.
• Highlighted potential limitations of current testing methodologies.
• Underscored the importance of rigorous assumption checking for valid conclusions.

Conclusions:

• Economic analysis of fertility is now feasible and increasingly important.
• Statistical assumptions in current models require careful scrutiny for accurate interpretation.
• Further research should focus on refining statistical methods for fertility-economic research.