Fertility behavior of Indian female cohorts crossing childbearing age during 1993-2012 by socio-economic conditions: a model based approach

Samba Siva Rao Pasupuleti, Indian Statistical Institute
Prasanta Pathak, Indian Statistical Institute

In the present paper we have studied the fertility experience of Indian female cohorts belonging to various socio-economic groups who are crossing child bearing age in various calendar years during 1993-2012. We have used a special form of Gompertz curve whose parameters are easy to interpret, for understanding the fertility behavior of above cohorts. For the purpose of the present study we have used all the three National Family Health Survey data sets. We have found wide differentials in fertility behavior and the changes in it among various socio-economic groups. We tried to identifying those factors which truly contribute to fertility differentials and that can be used for policy prescriptions to bring down fertility. We have also quantified the transitions that have occurred in the determinants of fertility during the study period. We have tested several interesting hypotheses proposed for explaining the causes behind the fertility differentials.