Differential Fertility by Level of Education in DHS Countries

Samir K.C., Wittgenstein Centre (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU)
Michaela Potancokova, Wittgenstein Centre (IIASA, VID/ÖAW, WU)

The relationship between female education and fertility is varied and complex but extensively discussed in the literature. This article re-assesses the relationship between female education and fertility using data from Demographic and Health Surveys. Fifty-eight countries are explored. One problem with education variable in DHS data is the inconsistencies in the definition of education categories within and across countries. We harmonized the education variable to the UNESCO’s definition. The analyses conducted highlight considerable heterogeneity across total fertility rate (TFR) levels and differentials by education categories. However some empirical regularity can be isolated. For instance, we found the usual negative relationship between TFR and female education, with a monotonic pattern across education categories. Secondly, we will test whether the fertility differential is significantly different across education categories by presenting bootstrapped confidence intervals and standard errors. The final results of the analysis will be useful in predicting the fertility in the future.