Age-specific Fertility Rates (cont.)
Figure 3 graphs a series of age-specific fertility rates for different periods in Japan. Starting with 1960 click the boxes in order and note how fertility changes as time progresses.
Starting with 1960, click the boxes in order and note how fertility changes as time progresses.
Make some notes below on when the pattern of fertility really started to change, and the key features of the change. After making your own observations check the solution box.
Reductions in fertility in ages 20-24 have occurred since 1980. However the big change in pattern started between 1985-1990. At this time the peak of childbearing was 25-29 and this started to reduce dramatically. By 2005 it was at the same level, or even slightly below 30-34 fertility.
At the same time fertility 35-39 was actually rising. This means that not only is fertility in Japan falling but it is also adopting an older pattern – a very common progression.
Finally note that fertility pre-15 and at 40-44 has not changed from its very low level and that there is negligible childbearing post age 45, even though there is a trend to older motherhood. The very narrow pattern of births in the central ages suggests contraceptive use throughout but a growing preference for smaller families and delaying motherhood.