by Corinne S. Low

Abstract 

Despite improvements, traditional fertility theory still remains unprepared to cope with developing countries, such as Senegal, where deep religious beliefs dictate a passive acceptance of natural fertility. Because of an unwillingness to use modern contraception, factors that can reduce fertility in these societies will be primarily factors that influence natural fertility. Particularly, my study finds that age at first marriage, cultural taboos against sex while breastfeeding, living with extended families, and extended periods of breastfeeding can all reduce family size. Education is found to increase fertility at low levels because it increases fecundity, but reduce fertility at higher levels. It also acts through a multitude of indirect pathways, clearly modeled for the first time in this paper.

Professor Connel Fullenkamp, Faculty Advisor

JEL Codes: J13, N97, Z12

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