One Explanation for the Demographic Transition in Developing Countries

Mukesh Eswaran

Oxford Economic Papers, 1998, vol. 50, issue 2, 237-65

Abstract: This paper considers, in an overlapping generations model, the fertility choice of parents confronted with the possibility of child mortality. The motive for having children is assumed to be old age security and, therefore, not altruistic. It is shown first, in a partial equilibrium setting, that reductions in child mortality can induce a demographic transition. In a general equilibrium setting, it is shown that a marginal reduction in child morality can raise or lower the standard of living of the steady-state equilibrium population, depending on the initial level of child mortality. Finally the paper draws some relevant policy implications. Copyright 1998 by Royal Economic Society.

Date: 1998
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