Fertility and union dissolution in Brazil: an example of multi-process modelling using the Demographic and Health Survey calendar data.
Authors:
Leone, Tiziana; Hinde, A.
Source:
Demographic Research, 17(7): 157-180.
Topic(s):
Fertility Marriage
Country:
Latin American/Caribbean
Brazil
Published:
OCT 2007
Abstract:
This study examines the union and conception histories of Brazilian women aged 15-49
using the 1996 Demographic and Health Survey’s calendar data.
The aim of the paper is twofold: firstly to explore the use of union histories in the
DHS calendar data, which have not yet been used for union dynamics studies, secondly
to analyse the relationship between union instability and fertility in Brazil which has
been long understudied. Using the example of Brazil it investigates the potential
strengths and biases of this data source. In particular it analyses the impact of union
dissolution on fertility in Brazil using multiprocess event history analysis techniques as
developed by Lillard (1993). This type of methodology has been widely used for the
analyses of developed countries data. However, it has not been explored for developing
countries mainly due to the lack of data.
The paper will demonstrate the positive effect of union instability on fertility.