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Examining the predictive value of fertility preferences among Ghanaian women

Author

Listed:
  • Ivy Kodzi

    (Ohio State University)

  • David Johnson

    (Pennsylvania State University)

  • John Casterline

    (Ohio State University)

Abstract

Despite extensive research, doubts remain regarding the degree of correspondence between prior stated fertility preferences and subsequent fertility behavior. Preference instability is a factor that potentially undermines predictiveness. Furthermore, if other predictors of fertility substantially explain fertility, then knowledge of preferences may contribute little to explaining or predicting individual fertility behavior. In this study, we examined these aspects of the study of individual fertility preference-behavior consistency. Using a prospective multi-wave panel dataset, we modeled the monthly likelihood of conception, taking into account the dynamic nature of preferences, and controlling for changing reproductive life cycle factors and stable socioeconomic background predictors of fertility. We demonstrate from a sample of fecund married Ghanaian women that fertility preferences retain independent predictive power in the model predicting the likelihood of conception.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivy Kodzi & David Johnson & John Casterline, 2010. "Examining the predictive value of fertility preferences among Ghanaian women," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 22(30), pages 965-984.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:22:y:2010:i:30
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2010.22.30
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sara Yeatman & Emily Smith-Greenaway, 2021. "Women’s health decline following (some) unintended births: A prospective study," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 45(17), pages 547-576.
    2. Xiang Yan & Jie Du & GuoPing Ji, 2021. "Prevalence and factors associated with fertility desire among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-21, March.
    3. Ankita Mishra & Jaai Parasnis, 2017. "Peers and Fertility Preferences: An Empirical Investigation of the Role of Neighbours, Religion and Education," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 134(1), pages 339-357, October.
    4. Moore, Ann M. & Keogh, Sarah & Kavanaugh, Megan & Bankole, Akinrinola & Mulambia, Chishimba & Mutombo, Namuunda, 2014. "Bucking social norms: Examining anomalous fertility aspirations in the face of HIV in Lusaka, Zambia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 88-97.
    5. AKEJU, Kemi Funlayo, 2021. "Fertility Preference in Older Women: Effect of Place of Residence and Use of Contraceptives in Nigeria," International Journal of Social Sciences Perspectives, Online Academic Press, vol. 8(1), pages 25-30.
    6. Monica A. Magadi, 2021. "HIV and Unintended Fertility in Sub-Saharan Africa: Multilevel Predictors of Mistimed and Unwanted Fertility Among HIV-Positive Women," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 40(5), pages 987-1024, October.
    7. Sara Yeatman & Jenny Trinitapoli & Sarah Garver, 2020. "The Enduring Case for Fertility Desires," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 57(6), pages 2047-2056, December.
    8. Kaat Van Hoyweghen & Janne Bemelmans & Hendrik Feyaerts & Goedele Van den Broeck & Miet Maertens, 2023. "Small Family, Happy Family? Fertility Preferences and the Quantity–Quality Trade-Off in Sub-Saharan Africa," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(6), pages 1-35, December.
    9. Ginevra Floridi & Maria Gargiulo & José Manuel Aburto, 2023. "Changes in fertility rates and desires in the wake of the homicide surge in Mexico," HiCN Working Papers 399, Households in Conflict Network.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fertility; sub-Saharan Africa; Ghana; fertility intentions; fertility preference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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