Fertility, Mortality and Inequality

Abstract

Present paper discovers the behaviour of fertility differentials across districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Social researchers agree that development and quality of life of the people are associated with distribution of economic resources. The objective is to investigate 
some salient determinants of fertility differential through distribution of income. Data used in this study is gathered from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2013-14. Both parametric and non-parametric analysis is done. Regression analysis is used to investigate the relationship of fertility determinants. For empirical analysis, Total Fertility Rate is taken as an outcome variable while distribution of income, unemployment rate, under-five mortality and contraceptive use are considered as determinants. The outcome of this study is that distribution of income is a very significant variable in determining the level of fertility so inequality might be reduced to overcome the issue of high fertility rates at the district level of Punjab. Contraceptive use is also a very effective variable in determining the level of fertility. It is found that child mortality has a positive relationship with fertility rates. Unemployment rate is a very useful variable for the determination of fertility level.