Births

Births

1. The total fertility rate

   • The total fertility rate (TFR) is average number of children that women will have during fertile years.
   • The UKs TFR has risen.
   • More women are remaining childless than in the past.
   • Women are postponing having children.

2. Reasons for the decline in the birth rate

   • Changes in women’s position.
     • Legal equality with men.
     • Increased educational opportunities.
     • More women in paid employment.
     • Changes in attitudes to family life and women’s role.
     • Easier access to divorce.
     • Access to abortion and reliable contraception- control over fertility.
   • Decline in the infant mortality rate.
     • IMR = no. of infants who die before their first birthday, per 1000 births, per year.
     • Harper (2012) - fall in IMR leads to fall in birth rate.
     • IMR began to fall:
       • Improved housing and better sanitation.
       • Better nutrition.
       • Better knowledge of hygiene, child health and welfare, etc.
       • Improved services for mothers and their children.