Why might people in less-developed countries have more children than people in developed countries?

Short Answer

Expert verified
People in less-developed countries might have more children due to a combination of factors including socio-economic conditions where more children contribute to the family income and provide 'old-age security'; cultural norms and values that esteem large families; limited access to healthcare services, including reproductive health services; and lower quality of education.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Socio-economic Factors

In less-developed countries, people often have more children due to socio-economic conditions. In many of these countries, a large family means more hands to work and contribute to the family's income. There might not be sufficient social safety nets, thus having more children provides a form of 'old-age security' where the children are expected to take care of their parents in their old age.
02

Recognize Cultural Influences

Cultural norms and values play a critical part in determining family size. In many less-developed countries, having a large family is often culturally esteemed and a high fertility rate is preferred. Also, due to inadequate access to education or certain religious beliefs, family planning and contraceptive use might be low.
03

Understand Access to Healthcare Services

Most less-developed countries have limited access to healthcare services, including reproductive health services. Hence, menstrual hygiene management, family planning, and contraceptives use are likely to be lower, leading to higher fertility rates.
04

Reflect on Quality of Education

Education, particularly of women, is linked to smaller family sizes. In less-developed countries, the quality of education and the rate of female education may be lower, which could lead to larger family sizes.

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