Population Growth and Socioeconomic Progress in Less Developed Countries: Determinants of Fertility Transition

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This timely study examines fertility rates and their trends and determinants in less-developed countries by testing an empirical, interdisciplinary model of the fertility transition. In light of the current official position of the United States on population and development, the policy implications of the study are timely. According to some experts, interrupting the spiral of rapid growth and attendant economic and ecological deterioration now rivals nuclear disarmament in importance on the international agenda. Among the questions investigated include: Are there identifiable traits for developing nations that have reduced fertility Has development become the best contraceptive Have some development strategies been more conducive to lowering fertility Do family planning programs have significant impacts on fertility

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In one of the most comprehensive studies yet undertaken in this area, Hess pulls together an impressive volume and variety of information on the determinants of fertility decline in developing nations, and devises and tests an elaborate model based on data from 49 countries at two different time periods.-Choice
"In one of the most comprehensive studies yet undertaken in this area, Hess pulls together an impressive volume and variety of information on the determinants of fertility decline in developing nations, and devises and tests an elaborate model based on data from 49 countries at two different time periods."-Choice

Author Bio

PETER N. HESS, Visiting Scholar at the Carolina Population Center of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is Associate Professor of Economics at Davidson College, North Carolina.