Abstract

CHACKIEL, Juan. The fertility transition in Latin America 1950-2000. Pap. poblac [online]. 2004, vol.10, n.41, pp.9-58. ISSN 2448-7147.

As part of the demographic transition in Latin America, fertility dropped dramatically in the second half of the twentieth century, from six children per woman to less than three. Nonetheless, while some countries are still at the initial stages of this process, most are in full transition and a few are already well advanced. At the same time, there is a trend towards the age-specific fertility rates rejuvenating; this implies that women are choosing to have children at an earlier age, and latter to control the number of births. This trend, reflects a decline in the desired number of children and an increase in the access to modern contraceptive methods, while other fertility determinants are less important. Nupciality, which were a major determinant of the decline in fertility in the developed countries, do not seem to have had the same impact in Latin America.

Keywords : fertility; demographic transition; fertility trends; fertility determinants; adolescent fertility; Latin America.