Learning Objectives To understand the strengths, limitations and factors that affect different countries’ fertility rates.

Learning Objectives

• To understand the strengths, limitations and factors

that affect different countries’ fertility rates.

Fertility rate: the average number of

children each woman in a population will

bear

Italy France UK Germany USA

India Iraq Niger Japan Seychelles

Order these countries from 1-10 from the most fertile to the least fertile

(2011)

1st = 7.752nd = 3.863rd = 2.68

5th = 2.056th = 1.98 7th = 1.66 8th = 1.419th = 1.31

10th = 1.21 4th = 2.40

Globally, fertility rates are one of the most important indicators used to evaluate population growth.

The fertility of countries varies greatly and for many different reasons.

Fertility rate

Task: Describe the global distribution of fertility rates. Refer to the main patterns, and use examples of specific regions and countries.

Fertility rates (2013)

Why do fertility factors vary?

In sub-Saharan countries, the infant mortality rate is often as high as 100/1000.

That’s the equivalent of one child in every ten dying before they reach the age of 1.

Families have up to 8-9 children.

In more developed regions, improved healthcare and sanitation have reduced infant deaths.

No need for large families to secure future.

Death rates

Comparison of infant mortality rates:

Niger = 149/1000 UK = 5.1/1000

(Niger fertility rate: 7.75) (UK fertility rate: 1.66)

Why do fertility factors vary?

In many developing countries, cultural expectations often creates large families.

High rates of reproduction – status of women.

Women start child-bearing from their mid teens - long reproductive periods.

By contrast, in Italy the average 1st time mum is 34 years old.

Tradition

In Vietnam, 92% of women who had 2 children said they did not want any more.

In Nigeria, by contrast the figure was only 4%!

Why do fertility factors vary?

Access to and knowledge of birth control.

Contraceptives are now more widely used in developing countries.

Family planning is not always desired.

Barriers include lack of funding for supplies and education programmes.

Educated women with higher literacy levels have greater access to employment and opportunities.

Careers are often priority.

Education

In Rwanda, only 10% of women practice a modern method of family

planning.

In Brazil at least 70% are known to.

Rwanda fertility rate = 4.81

Brazil fertility rate = 1.82

Why do fertility factors vary?

Both Islam and the Roman Catholic Church oppose the use of artificial birth control.

Despite this, and despite the presence of the Pope, Italy has one of the world’s lowest fertility rates at only 1.4

This suggest that there are perhaps some Italians who do regularly use contraception!

Religion

Why do fertility factors vary?

A population with a high number of young people.

During their child-bearing years more babies will be born.

Developing countries population growth is far greater than developed regions.

Influenced by migrants.

Age structure

Niger has the youngest age structures in the world, with 50% of its population under the age of 15

Why do fertility factors vary?

Family life, including marriage and childbearing and is strongly influenced by social class.

Income and wealth play a role in shaping family structures.

Social class

Social caste is very important in India.

As socio-economic status increases, so does the use of birth control measures.

Why do fertility factors vary?

Children in developing countries are considered an economic asset.

They are producers rather than consumers.

In more developed regions, children seen as an expense!

Economy

Economic uncertainty in eastern Europe has affected couples’ family choices.

Fertility rate in Poland is 1.3

Why do fertility factors vary?

Several countries have attempted to influence population growth in recent years.

Politics

China’s One Child policy170 weeks maternity and

paternity leave in Germany

Task: Create a table or mind map to show your ideas. Use your notes to help you.

Is fertility rate a good indicator of economic development?

A possible exam question!What are the advantages (strengths) and disadvantages (weaknesses) of using fertility rate to indicate a country’s level of development?

Is fertility rate a good indicator of economic development?

Strengths• High = need for more

children, farming, financial asset

• High = traditions more prevalent in LEDCs

• High = indication of high infant death, more children needed to replace – result of poor healthcare, sanitation, etc.

• High = lack of resources to educate about birth control

• High = lower career opportunities for women

Weaknesses• Influenced by policies

• Influenced by age structure

• LEDC figures less reliable