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Fertility transition, conscious choice, and numeracy.

E van de Walle¹

¹Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.

|November 1, 1992

Summary

Fertility transition requires conscious reproductive choices. The study suggests "numeracy about children"—understanding ideal family size and social norms—was key for historical family limitation adoption.

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[Not Available].

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Area of Science:

Demography
Social History
Reproductive Health

Background:

Fertility transition is a key demographic shift.
A.J. Coale identified conscious choice as a precondition.
Previous research highlights the role of changing mentalities.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the historical emergence of "numeracy about children."
To test the hypothesis that conceptualizing family size is necessary for family limitation.
To understand the cognitive shifts preceding fertility decline.

Main Methods:

Historical analysis of demographic trends.
Examination of societal norms and individual awareness regarding family size.
Review of literature on fertility transitions and cognitive changes.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests "numeracy about children" appeared historically in diverse contexts.
The conceptualization of a desired family size preceded widespread family limitation.
Awareness of personal family size relative to norms was a significant factor.

Conclusions:

"Numeracy about children" is a critical, historically observed precursor to fertility transition.
Cognitive shifts in understanding and valuing family size are essential for reproductive change.
This cognitive element is a necessary condition for adopting family limitation strategies.

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