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Testing fertility rate convergence in the United States

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  • Keck, Liam
  • Sung, Won
  • Lee, Junsoo

Abstract

The global decline in fertility rates has increasingly captured the attention of policymakers and economists. Previous studies have examined global fertility convergence. While heterogeneous transition paths across regions within a country are observable, the literature has largely overlooked this aspect. This paper addresses whether fertility rates tend to converge within the United States, offering a focused examination of this issue.

Suggested Citation

  • Keck, Liam & Sung, Won & Lee, Junsoo, 2025. "Testing fertility rate convergence in the United States," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525000801
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112243
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Giuseppe Gabrielli & Anna Paterno & Silvana Salvini & Isabella Corazziari, 2021. "Demographic trends in less and least developed countries: Convergence or divergence?," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 38(3), pages 221-258, September.
    7. Timothy W. Guinnane, 2011. "The Historical Fertility Transition: A Guide for Economists," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 49(3), pages 589-614, September.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Total fertility rates; Convergence;

    JEL classification:

    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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