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Variations in historical natural fertility patterns and the measurement of fertility control

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

P. R. A. Hinde  and
R. I. Woods
P. R. A. Hinde
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Sheffield
R. I. Woods
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Sheffield
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Summary

This paper considers two main issues: the definition of Henry's concept of natural fertility, and the use of standard age-specific marital fertility schedules to measure the extent of fertility control. It suggests that regional as well as temporal variations are to be expected in the pattern of marital fertility and in consequence argues the need for a variety of standard marital fertility schedules specific to the underlying fertility conditions of the particular population under investigation. A detailed example drawn from the fertility patterns of Britain, Denmark and Sweden is presented.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , July 1984 , pp. 309 - 321
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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