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Maori fertility in a period of transition*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

A. V Zodgekar
A. V Zodgekar
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology and Social Work, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
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Summary

An analysis of Maori fertility shows that a transition from a high to a low level has begun. The crude birth rate has declined by nearly 28% during the period 1961–72; only a small part of this decline can be attributed to changes in the age–sex and marital status composition.

A substantial decline in the fertility of older women has been observed and there are indications of the beginning of a major decline in the fertility of younger women. Since women aged 30–49 still account for 30% of total fertility there is enough potential for a further fertility decline in the later child-bearing years.

Age patterns of fertility decline suggest that inter-marriage between Pakehas and Maoris is not a prime cause of the recent fertility decline. The factors which are thought to be responsible for this change in Maori fertility are rapid urbanization, a low level of infant mortality and an increase in the overall level of education.

A further decline in Maori fertility will depend on the continuation of the tendency in fertility among the younger women.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 7 , Issue 3 , July 1975 , pp. 345 - 352
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975

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References

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