Paradigm shifts in the study of fertility behaviour

Jeetendra D. Soni, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Moumita Basu, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Abstract The conceptualization of the study of fertility behaviour started in late 18th century but the issue gained prominence only in the second half on the last century. In this paper an attempt has been to synchronize all the important efforts made in this line right from the simplified classical theories to highly complex analytical frameworks of recent times. It is to explain the changing paradigms in the course of study of the concerned subject. Along with these theoretical frameworks, deterministic models are also made to evaluate the fertility behaviour. In the current analysis shifting nature of examining this issue is dealt with. Here a clear shift is perceived from a mere socio-economic perspective to a multifaceted combination of social, economic, cultural and psychological approaches to have a better understanding in the fertility behaviour.