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The relationship between education and fertility preferences in Mexico: Lessons from Italy

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  • del Rosario de Fatima Juárez Carcaño, María
  • De Rose, Alessandra
  • Testa, Maria Rita

Abstract

Education is an important determinant of reproductive preferences. How, its role has changed in countries at different level of fertility transition has been largely under-investigated, due to the lack of adequate data. In this paper we analyze the role of education as determinant of fertility preferences in Mexico, a country which is fast approaching the end of fertility transition, although with substantial within-country territorial differences. We contrast the results with evidence from a very low fertility country, Italy, using survey data. Findings indicate a persistent negative relationship between fertility preferences and educational level in Mexico. However, a more refined analysis at the territorial areas reveals that in the most developed regions – such as Mexico City - the relationship is reversing, with more educated women showing an attitude toward having a child more similar to that observed in Italy, where the effect of higher education on fertility intentions is positive.

Suggested Citation

  • del Rosario de Fatima Juárez Carcaño, María & De Rose, Alessandra & Testa, Maria Rita, 2023. "The relationship between education and fertility preferences in Mexico: Lessons from Italy," SocArXiv cw8xd, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:cw8xd
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/cw8xd
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