Which of the following describes the pattern that takes place when women have access to education and paid employment outside of the home?
a. Life expectancy rise
b. Life expectancy declines
c. Total fertility rates tend to be low
d. Total fertility rates tend to be high
e. Total fertility rates tend to drop to zero
c. Total fertility rates tend to be low
c. Total fertility rates tend to be low
The correct answer is c. Total fertility rates tend to be low.
To understand why this is the case, let's first define some key terms. "Total fertility rate" (TFR) refers to the average number of children born per woman in a particular population. Access to education and paid employment outside of the home has been found to have a significant impact on the TFR.
When women have access to education, they are more likely to gain knowledge about reproductive health, contraception, and family planning. As a result, they can make informed decisions about the timing and number of children they want to have. Education also empowers women, giving them greater control over their lives and the ability to pursue career opportunities.
Additionally, when women have access to paid employment outside of the home, they are more likely to delay marriage and childbirth. This is because they prioritize their education and career goals, which often requires time and dedication. As a result, the age at which women have their first child tends to increase.
Both of these factors lead to a decrease in the TFR. When women have the means and knowledge to control their fertility, they often choose to have fewer children. Consequently, societies where women have access to education and paid employment tend to experience lower total fertility rates.
It is worth noting that while this pattern generally holds true, there can be variations across different countries and cultural contexts. Nevertheless, the overall association between women's access to education and employment and lower total fertility rates has been observed in numerous studies and demographic trends.