Fertility preference: A study of some basic concepts and considerations

Abstract

Research in fertility, preferences, particularly in developing countries, has received considerable attention in recent years because of its relationship with and important bearing on the complex family building processes. The subject of parental attitudes and aspirations in relation to household fertility decision making have gained importance in recent fertility researches since these seem to be related to the future course of fertility in a society. The thrust of most of the research has been on the desired or preferred family size as a substitute variable for eventual fertility or completed family size. [1-4] If a respondent's stated fertility preferences are related in some way to her eventual fertility, then information on fertility preference should have a predictive value in forecasting the future course of fertility [5], and under voluntary control the desired number of children will be an increasingly important determinant of fertility.