| Reproductive inequality in sub-Saharan Africa: Differentials versus concentration |
| Authors: |
Giroux SC | Eloundou-Enyegue PM | Lichter DT |
| Source: |
Studies in Family Planning, 39(3):187-198. |
| Topic(s): |
Inequality
Reproductive health
|
| Country: |
Africa
Multiple African Countries
|
| Published: |
SEP 2008 |
| Abstract: |
Within developing countries, our understanding of reproductive inequality-how fertility is distributed within a population-has been shaped largely by studies of fertility differentials, a practical but partial-information measure. In this study, we examine whether exclusive reliance on differentials biases this understanding. Findings based on recent data from sub-Saharan Africa show bias. We find that historical and especially cross-country comparisons can yield substantially different conclusions about the magnitude and even the direction of inequality patterns and trends, depending on whether differentials or fuller-information measures are used. For instance, the fertility differentials associated with education have remained relatively stable as national fertility has fallen, but inequality (as calculated by a fuller measure) has increased. Such results underscore the value of
complementing existing studies of fertility differentials with analyses based on fuller-information measures. The analyses also show how change in differential fertility behavior and in the educational composition of national populations has shaped recent variations in reproductive inequality in the region. |
| Web: |
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/20454462?uid=3739704&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21104336354881 |