Fertility and mortality : theory,methodology and empirical issues

Most developing countries have a growing population which acts as a drag on economic and social development. Hence, an understanding of the socio-economic determinants of both fertility and mortality is absolutely indispensable for the proper formulation of not only population policies but also of economic plans. Yet, there is a considerable gap in the knowledge of the theory, methodology and determinants of fertility and mortality.

Containing eighteen original papers by distinguished Indian and foreign scholars, this volume will go a long way towards enhancing our understanding of trends and determinants of fertility and mortality. The five papers in the first section present exhaustive and critical discussions of recent contributions to theories of fertility. Among the topics covered are the demographic foundations of sex roles, theories of fertility decline and the value and cost of children.

The second and third sections consider the cultural, psychological and socio-economic factors influencing fertility. The papers in these sections are based on rich and original empirical data and also cite cross-cultural research from other developing countries. Among the themes tackled are the effect of religious and caste differentials, child labour and fertility, socio-demographic change and demographic transition, the impact of the modernization process on fertility and the socio-psychological determinants of urban fertility.

The three papers in the last section provide discussions of various models and analytical frameworks for the study of mortality. In particular, they present an appropriate conceptual model on health and mortality and provide a comprehensive list of the biological and societal determinants of mortality. The last section provides a brief profile of the renowned Indian demographer, C Chandrasekaran, along with an exhaustive list of his publications.