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Some social determinants of recent trends in British fertility

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 September 2011

Joan Busfield  and
Geoffrey Hawthorn
Joan Busfield
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology, University of Essex
Geoffrey Hawthorn
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology, University of Essex
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Summary

The contrast in birth rates in England and Wales between the periods on either side of the peak in 1964 is described and its components discussed. The drop after 1964 is mainly due to a drop in marital fertility at all ages, and especially the youngest. There is, however, as yet no evidence for a fall in the completed fertility of recent cohorts although their birth intervals are clearly lengthening. The mechanisms of such a change are described and their relative importance suggested. It is concluded that ultimate responsibility for the changing tempo of recent British fertility lies with fluctuations in the economic situation of the country.

Type
Fertility in different populations
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 3 , supplement S3: Biosocial Aspects of Human Fertility , 1971 , pp. 65 - 77
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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