Full Citation

Title: Structural Change and Fertility Change in the South, 1910 to 1940

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 1996

ISBN:

ISSN:

DOI: 10.2307/42863502

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Abstract: Objective. This paper provides new information about the decline in southern fertility that occurred between 1910 and 1940. Two objectives guide the investigation. The first is to determine the contribution of shifting marriage patterns and altered marital childbearing to the overall change in fertility that occurred between 1910 and 1940. The second is to estimate the influence of a variety of structural changes on shifts in marriage patterns and marital fertility. Methods. Unlike most previous studies this analysis focuses specifically on fertility change, rather than static cross-sectional differences across geographic areas. Fertility change and structural change are measured for state economic areas (SEAs) within the South. Results. The findings show that southern fertility fell mainly because of a reduced pace of childbearing by married couples, rather than less exposure to marital fertility. Further, marital fertility decline was sharper in areas that experienced larger reductions in the number of farms per capita, and greater increases in education and manufacturing activity. Marriage became less common in SEAs that saw growth in manufacturing opportunities. Conclusions. Support for demand theories of fertility decline is inferred from the findings. However, the possible contribution of nonstructural forces to southern fertility decline is also acknowledged.

Url: https://www.jstor.org/stable/42863502

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Authors: Tolnay, Stewart E.

Periodical (Full): Social Science Quarterly

Issue: 3

Volume: 77

Pages: 559-576

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Family and Marriage, Fertility and Mortality

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