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CBR versus TFR in cross-national fertility research

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Demography

Abstract

Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 Abstract-This paper addresses the question of whether the crude birth rate (CBR) can be used as a proxy for more refined fertility measures in cross-national models of fertility determinants. It responds to a recent claim that the CBR represents an inappropriate fertility measure for these purposes. In the analysis, several strategies are used to assess the degree to which results based on the CBR are sensitive to lack of adjustment for age structure. The paper concludes that using the CBR as a proxy has minor and unimportant effects upon conclusions regarding fertility determinants.

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Entwisle, B. CBR versus TFR in cross-national fertility research. Demography 18, 635–643 (1981). https://doi.org/10.2307/2060952

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