Dynamics of Birth Spacing in Pakistan

Abstract

In recent years the study of birth spacing has emerged as an area of demographic interest. This is because of its close linkage with the timing and tempo of fertility relative to other measures. At the same time, marital fertility in Pakistan and the duration of breastfeeding have shown a decline (Khan 1985). Thus, the study of birth spacing becomes an important area for examining changes in the components of fertility. The paper's major objectives are to study: (I) Changes in spacing between births if any. (2) Differentials in birth spacing by residence in major 'urban', 'other urban’ and 'rural' areas to see if there is a gradation in birth spacing by levels of urbanization. (3) And differentials in birth spacing by age at marriage, urbanization, education, work pattern and contraceptive use.