Impact of formal education of women on reproductive behavior in four socio-cultural contexts in the Soconusco region of Chiapas

This paper analyzes demographic changes that occurred between 1977 and 1996, in four socio-cultural contexts in the Soconusco Region of Chiapas, Mexico. It is based on a socio-demographic random sample survey that compiled primary (1139 household groups) and secondary (population and agricultural census) information. The results based on cohort analysis provide evidence for the existence of various fertility trends among the different socio-cultural contexts. In average urban settlements, fertility has remained low stable, and in rural indigenous settlements it has also remained stable, but high. Only in rural mestizo and marginal urban communities have there been overall and significant fertility declines. In marginal urban settlements, in spite of showing a generalized fertility decline, adolescent fertility has increased. These trends are closely related to the changes in schooling levels achieved by females, particularly with secondary or higher education, as well as with modifications in the age at first union. There has been a reduction in the proportion of women completing secondary education in all of the socio-cultural contexts, which goes handin- hand with the economic polarization of the region. Based on models of impact evaluation, it is possible to conclude that due to the characteristics of the Soconusco "with elevated macroeconomic development and deep social polarization", the State's efforts must be primordially oriented to improving the lot of the population, especially with regards to average education of women.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Salvatierra Izaba, Ernesto Benito Doctor autor 8260, Nazar Beutelspacher, Austreberta Doctora 1960- autora 2010
Format: Texto biblioteca
Language:eng
Subjects:Educación de la mujer, Educación formal, Fertilidad, Salud reproductiva, Análisis socioeconómico, Artfrosur,
Online Access:http://escholarship.org/uc/item/2bj2k764
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