The document discusses different measures of fertility including total fertility rate (TFR), birth rate, and crude birth rate. It then lists factors that can influence fertility rates such as education, culture, religion, economic conditions, health issues, and government policy. These influencing factors are grouped into sociocultural and economic categories. Tables are presented comparing fertility rates and percentages of women of childbearing age by country income level and over time. Examples of sociocultural influences include religion, disease prevalence, and women's status. Economic influences discussed include costs of childrearing and type of prevailing economy.

1. 1.2a Fertility and Influencing Factors Fertility can be measured in several different ways which can sometimes make the topic confusing. It is therefore important to distinguish between the main types of fertility so that confusion is minimised.

6. Percentage of women of child bearing age and fertility rates Fertility rate % women of child bearing age 3.3 5 50 46 World 2.1 3.9 49 42 High Income countries 3.2 5 49 45 Middle income countries 3.8 6 51 46 Low Income countries 1991 1970 1991 1965

7. 1.2f Sociocultural Examples For some communities abortion is simply not an option. Attitudes and Values Devout Catholicism for example prohibits the use of some forms of contraception (e.g. the condom). Religion Disease, particularly the AIDS virus in Botswana, Africa. Here the TFR of 2.85 is significantly below the world average of 3.1 due to a higher than usual mortality rate of women of child-bearing age. Health Care In LEDC's many children are needed to assist with generating income in labour intensive industries like farming. In MEDC's secondary and tertiary industries dominate and laws prohibit child labour. Nature of Employment As above, but sometimes a lack of education about matters such as child birth and contraceptive measures can lead to higher fertility rates. Low Literacy Rates In some Sub Saharan African nations women have limited access to an education and are expected to tend crops and raise families. In such countries the TFR is high. The Status of Women Example Sociocultural Examples