Evolução do padrão de fecundidade na América Latina: em busca de uma idiossincrasia

Abstract

A set of variables tha may define a called fertility pattern for Latin America and in the Caribbean (LAC) is analyzed over time. We consider, on the one side, variables intrinsically related to the level (related to the tempo and quantum) and, on the other side, variables extrinsic i.e., that are indirectly related to the TFR (contraception and nuptiality). The analyses aim to pursue two objectives: i)- check if there is a tendency of change in the pattern of fertility over the transition process, following the European model. The comparison with Europe is justified by the fact that the main studies involving the "Demographic Transition Theory" take this continent as a reference, since the continent pioneered the changes that characterized this theory; ii)- to understand if there are distinctions in the fertility pattern among the LAC countries that began the transition process in similar periods. In an attempt to contextualize this process, the analyzes were made by socioeconomic strata, using criteria of education and wealth, in three different points in time, using Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and Reproductive Health Survey (RHS) for eight countries: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica , El Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and the Dominican Republic. The results indicate that changes in the pattern of fertility of Latin American countries over the periods analyzed follow what was found in Europe during the transition. It would be a general change tendency. In addition, were identified patterns consistent with the fertility level. Therefore, in the case of the countries examined, the TFR would be a good not exhaustively, though of the fertility pattern: high values tend to relate to more traditional patterns while lower values tend to approach the modern pattern, i.e., the European reality. The convergence of fertility patterns associated to the fertility decline over the periods, however, suggests that the smaller the TFR, the more homogeneous the fertility pattern among the countries. Regarding socioeconomic strata, the differences in the pattern persisted since the first period, with the most educated women and the highest wealth quintile showing characteristics that are similar to the European model. This dissertation draws a complete picture of fertility in LAC and identifies the changes that occurred in its key indicators during the transition process. The findings may be an important resource for projecting future scenarios on reproductive behavior and for the evaluation of public policies that deal with this subject from a macro level perspective.