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Why the Poor Have Many Children

Author

Listed:
  • Edita A. Tan

    (University of the Philippines School of Economics)

  • Katrina Dinglasan

Abstract

This is a follow up note on the UP School of Economics Faculty paper on the population issue. The poor who belong to the lowest two deciles of the income distribution have much higher actual and desired number of children, respectively 5.2 and 3.5. In contrast, the upper middle and higher income groups have less than 3 children which equal their desired number. It is argued that the poor who suffer serious deprivation in basic needs and see little opportunity for their children’s education and other opportunities feel little interest in controlling their family size. For them it would not matter how many children they may bear since the intensity of their poverty as measured by average income to poverty ratio and food consumption to subsistence ratio marginally improve as the number of children falls. It is suggested that for a family planning program to succeed, it must be part of an anti poverty strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Edita A. Tan & Katrina Dinglasan, 2012. "Why the Poor Have Many Children," UP School of Economics Discussion Papers 201217, University of the Philippines School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:phs:dpaper:201217
    as

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    File URL: http://www.econ.upd.edu.ph/dp/index.php/dp/article/view/700
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Edita E. Tan & Kristine S. Canales & Kevin G. Cruz & Jan Carlo B. Punongbayan, 2011. "Why are Boys Falling Behind Girls in Schooling?," UP School of Economics Discussion Papers 201112, University of the Philippines School of Economics.
    2. Ernesto M. Pernia, et al., 2011. "Population, Poverty, Politics and the Reproductive Health Bill," UP School of Economics Discussion Papers 201101, University of the Philippines School of Economics.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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