Fertility and the plough

Arbeitspapier

The current study finds that societies which historically engaged in plough agriculture today have lower fertility. We argue, and provide ethnographic evidence, that the finding is explained by the fact that with plough agriculture, children, like women, are relatively less useful in the field. The plough requires strength and eliminates the need for weeding, a task particularly suitable for women and children. This in turn generates a preference for fewer children, lowering fertility.

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• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IZA Discussion Papers ; No. 5502

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth ; Economic Development: Agriculture; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Other Primary Products
• Subject: fertility ; plough ; cultural norms ; Ackerbau ; Weibliche Arbeitskräfte ; Familienplanung ; Fruchtbarkeit ; Kulturelle Identität

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Alesina, Alberto ; Giuliano, Paola ; Nunn, Nathan
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA)
• (where): Bonn
• (when): 2011

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/51997
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-201104113752