Marital fertility at older ages in nepal bangladesh and sri lanka
Tan J P.
Population Studies 37(3): 433-444
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-4728 DOI: 10.1080/00324728.1983.10408871Document Number: 412964
The evidence for the existence of a social custom believed to be important in influencing the fertility of older women in traditional societies is examined. In such a system it is improper for a woman to continue sexual relations once she attains (potential) grandmotherhood. Thus, the hypothesis is that such a change in familial status leads to reduction in marital fertility. The hypothesis is tested with World Fertility Survey data using bivariate and logit regression analysis. The results support the custom's existence in Nepal and Bangladesh, but probably not in Sri Lanka. Its demographic impact, in terms of reduction in total fertility rate, amounts to .apprx. 1/3 of a child in Nepal and Bangladesh, but is insignificant in Sri Lanka. Its effect on the age pattern of natural fertility, estimated by using Nepalese data, is also large, thus indicating its importance as an explanation for deviations from Coale and Trussell's standard of natural fertility.