Ambivalence toward small families in rural Latin America.

Abstract

Data from a rural fertility survey conducted among 6814 15-49 year old women in Costa Rica. Colombia, Mexico, and Peru in 1968 and 1969 is used to determine social definitions of large and small families and advantages and disadvantages associated with family size. Large families were defined as having between 9.5-10.7 children. Small families were defined as having 3.2-4.0 children. 79% found disadvantages to large families (costs and/or influence of cost factors on family well being) compared to 38% for small families (better care for children and better off economically). More than 1/2 the women preferred small families to large, with less than 10% preferring large families. The mean number of children considered ideal was 4.6-6.3. 35-59% wanted no more children.