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Fertility and population policy

Author

Listed:
  • Abdoulaye Ouedraogo

    (The World Bank, Washington, USA)

  • Mehmet S. Tosun

    (University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Economics, College of Business, University of Nevada-Reno, USA)

  • Jingjing Yang

    (University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Economics, College of Business, University of Nevada-Reno, USA)

Abstract

There have been significant changes in both the fertility rates and fertility perception since 1970s. In this paper, we examine the relationship between government policies towards fertility and the fertility trends. Total fertility rate, defined as the number of children per woman, is used as the main fertility trend variable. We use panel data from the United Nations World Population Policies database, and the World Bank World Development Indicators for the period 1976 through 2013. We find a significant negative association between a country’s fertility rate and its anti-fertility policy. On the other hand, there is no significant and robust relationship between the fertility rate and a country’s pro-fertility or family-planning policies. In addition we find evidence of spatial autocorrelation in the total fertility rate, and spatial spillovers from a government’s policy on fertility.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdoulaye Ouedraogo & Mehmet S. Tosun & Jingjing Yang, 2018. "Fertility and population policy," Public Sector Economics, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 42(1), pages 21-43.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipf:psejou:v:42:y:2018:i:1:p:21-43
    DOI: 10.3326/pse.42.1.2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fertility rate; population; government policies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H10 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - General
    • H59 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Other
    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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