Differential high fertility and demographic transitions: peripheral capitalism in Sudan
O.Brien, J.
African population and capitalism historical perspectives: 173-186
1987
Document Number: 355179
In a comparative study of reproductive strategies of families in Um Fila and el'Igayla villages in Sudan, the paper shows how fertility patterns are related to differential patterns of incorporation into peripheral capitalism. In Um Fila, the relative isolation of the village and the form of the patriarchal extended family led to pressures for the increase in the number of men and boys within each family unit. In el'Igayla, agriculture and seasonal labour migration have progressively reduced the unpaid labour force within the family. Children are therefore needed to help with farm work, thus putting pressure on mothers to try to wean babies of both sexes after about 6 weeks, and attempt to become pregnant again.