Socioeconomic determinants of fertility: Selected Mexican regions, 1976–1977

Abstract

Cumulative fertility is analyzed for four regions of Mexico, based on World Fertility Survey data of 1976–77: the State of Baja California, the Northwest region, the State of Jalisco, and the Northeast region. Based on stepwise regression methodology, the study compares results for twelve subsamples of married respondents, three age categories by four regions. The dependent variables are children ever born and children ever bom in the last five years. Migration, urban, educational, and occupational variables are included as independent variables. Regression results reveal level of education is the major, and negative, influence on fertility. Other results include specific negative effects for prior occupation, size of place of residence, and childhood place of residence. Fertility effects appear different for migration origin and destination regions, but more similar for younger ages. Effects of migration on fertility are small.