Factors affecting human fertility in nonindustrial societies: a cross-cultural study

Yale University Publications in Anthropology • Vol/Iss. 66 • Yale University • New Haven • Published In • Pages: 227 •
By Nag, Moni

Abstract

Focusing on 61 preindustrial societies that have information on fertility, the author asks what factors may explain variation in fertility, what devices are used to control fertility, and whether differences in fertility appear to be in line with the societies' environments.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Reports

Hypotheses (13)

HypothesisSupported
"There is a negative association between the period of postpartum abstinence and fertility level. . . . Societies with long periods of postpartum abstinence have generally low fertility and vice versa" (79)Supported
"The data available for the selected societies do not support the hypothesis that there is a positive association between the period of postpartum abstinence and extent of polygyny" (80)Supported
"There does not seem to be any significant relationship between absenteeism and fertility level" (86)Not Supported
"The data do not support the hypothesis that the age of women at entry into regular sexual union is negatively associated with fertility" (90)Not Supported
"[Our] data do not support the hypothesis that polygyny is associated with reduced fertility" (94)Partially supported
"The correlations do not support the hypothesis that the incidence of polygyny is positively assocated with the incidence of separation and divorce" (95)Partially supported
"The data . . . Do not support the hypothesis of positive associations between . . . polygyny and . . . Sterility or childlessness" (96)Partially supported
"The data support the hypothesis that there is a positive association between frequency of separation and extent of sterility" (99)Supported
"Our data support the hypothesis that there is a negative association between the incidence of sterility and fertility" (122)Supported
"The data support the hypothesis that there is a positive association between the prevalence of venereal diseases and incidence of sterility" (123)Supported
"The data do not support the hypothesis that there is a negative association between the use of contraceptive devices and fertility level in nonindustrial societies" (134)Not Supported
"The data do not support the hypothesis that there is a negative association between the frequency of abortion and fertility level" (136)Not Supported
"Societies having high child mortality have a low fertility level and vice versa" (140)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas