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Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org//10.12759/hsr.suppl.34.2023.09
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The Significance of Looking Back: Fertility Before the "Fertility Decline" [2011].
Die Bedeutung des Blicks zurück in die Geschichte: Fertilität vor dem 'Geburtenrückgang'
[journal article]
Abstract In this paper, I argue that living with no or few children and low fertility was widespread in preindustrial societies. After a critical discussion of demographic transition theory and the concept of "natural fertility", I investigate fertility in early modern Europe. In doing so, I follow the sugge... view more
In this paper, I argue that living with no or few children and low fertility was widespread in preindustrial societies. After a critical discussion of demographic transition theory and the concept of "natural fertility", I investigate fertility in early modern Europe. In doing so, I follow the suggestion of "cultural demography" and combine quantitative and qualitative research. I show a great extent and many variations of deliberate birth control before the "fertility decline" took place. This finding should help to see the actual level of fertility as less exceptional and dramatic than it is often claimed.... view less
Keywords
early modern times; Europe; Japan; fertility; number of children; declining birth rate; demography
Classification
Social History, Historical Social Research
Population Studies, Sociology of Population
Free Keywords
fertility; birth control; demographic transition theory
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 262-286
Journal
Historical Social Research, Supplement (2023) 34
Issue topic
Arbeit, Bevölkerung, Alter und Migration - historisch und im interkulturellen Vergleich: Eine persönliche Retrospektive
ISSN
0936-6784
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed