Changes in parity profile of Brazilian women thirty years and older between 1970 and 2010

Fertility has declined dramatically over the last 50 years in Brazil, from 5.7 children per woman in 1970 to 1.9 children per woman in 2010. Historically Brazilian fertility has always shown a young profile. Census data has shown a concentration of fertility at younger ages along the 1991-2000 decade. A reversal of this trend has become evident as the new century began, however. Both reduction of adolescent fertility and a relative increase of fertility at higher ages were responsible for changing Brazilian fertility pattern. The current debate revolves around the determinants of these changes and the possible differences between social groups. One of the hypotheses to be explored in the present scenario is whether motherhood tends to turn into an experience limited to women who share certain characteristics. The objective of this paper is to evaluate changes in the quantum of fertility as well as parity differences among women thirty years old and over. Factors such as per capita household income, participation in the labor market (working and not working in a paid job), and education level (lowest and highest levels) will be taken into account. Data from Brazilian censuses of 1970, 1991 and 2010 will be used.