Modes of explanation in anthropological population theory biological determinism vs. self regulation in studies of population growth in third world countries
Nardi, B.A.
American Anthropologist 83(1): 28-56
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-7294 DOI: 10.1525/aa.1981.83.1.02a00030Document Number: 386120
Anthropological theories of population growth in underdeveloped countries are considered; it is argued that most studies have concentrated exclusively on either deterministic or self-regulatory factors in population growth without regard to their probable interaction. A research strategy is proposed in which self-regulatory factors, especially the decision-making activities of individual parents, provide a primary focus of study; however careful attention should be given to deterministic factors which constrain and influence the decission process.