Determinants of Fertility in Albania
Ines Nurja, Ogerta Elezaj
2016
Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
One of the major demographic changes during the last decade is the declining of fertility below the level necessary for the replacement of generations which identifies the end of the first demographic transition in the Albanian society. Albania recognizes a rapid and later demographic transition, which is characteristic of developing countries. While we know a lot about the timing of the fertility transition in different regions, we know much less about specific features in different periods.
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... e aim of this paper is to use longitudinal micro-level data for Albanian population to study the relationship between socioeconomic status and fertility. Using the 2012 Albanian Living Standard and Measurement Survey (ALSMS) we analyze fertility behaviour. The results from survival analysis techniques suggest that the reduction of fertility goes in line with economic, social and cultural life of couples and families. In the models proposed in this paper fertility is measured by the number of children ever born for a woman. This variable is easily measurable. A stratified sampling technique was used to collect data from LSMS survey. Regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between number of children and social-economic variables confirming the findings in other similar studies. 133 associated with an increased living standard. Analysis of the LSMS data confirms the conclusions reached in previous studies on the role of social and economic developments in Albania on fertility [2, 21,22, 23]. Conclusions This study explores the relationship between fertility and socio-economic and cultural developments. The study of determinant factors is needed to explain the change in behavior of fertility between different population groups. LSMS 2012 data are analyzed with descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques.Although descriptive statistics highlight the difference in the number of children ever born by consumption level, area of residence, mother education and father employment, multivariate analysis highlights the significant impact of the economic situation of the family where the woman belongs to, age, and area of living, while impact of education is less important. At this stage of progress, this demographic response emphasizes the role of economic development on fertility.At this stage of country progress, this demographic situation emphasizes the role of economic development on fertility. Women with lower economic status (first quartile) have a number of children ever born 50% higher (OR = 1,501) than women belonging to the highest level (fourth quartile). Number of children even born is higher in rural area compared to urban area The improvement of the economic situation will be able to affect other demographic changes. It can be assumed that reproductive behaviour of women with a higher economic level will have an impact to women with lower levels of consumption. The effects of social economic factors on fertility suggest policy guidelines that promote their impact on quality of life in the family and in raising children, especially in rural areas.
doi:10.5901/ajis.2016.v5n3p129
fatcat:rxkn2zvedzcgnp6xb53trob2re