Nuptiality Patterns in Developing Countries: Implications for Fertility

摘要

This report, based on World Fertility Survey data from 15 selected Asian and Latin American countries, examines patterns in the formation and dissolution of marital unions and the relationship of these patterns to fertility: In brief, the data indicate that: (1) In Asia age at first marriage varies widely among countries, but nearly every country considered shows evidence of a trend toward later marriage for women; (2) The Latin American countries are generally similar in the average age at which women first marry; no particular trend toward later marriage seems to exist; (3) In Latin America, informal consensual unions are widespread. Two patterns predominate--(1) numerous consensual unions among young women which are gradually outnumbered by formal marriages; and (2) a relatively steady but low level of such unions at all ages; and (4) Women with more education or with urban backgrounds tend to marry later. Changes in marriage patterns are one means of reducing fertility. Increased education and employment opportunities for women may lead to later marriage and increased numbers of women who never marry.