This project is a demographic study of factors causing a rise in fertility in Malaysia. The area has experienced economic devel- opment for several decades, and usually that fact would lead to declining birth rates. However, since about 1970, fertility has increased. PI plans to focus on two potential explanations, ethnic pride (and competition), and pro-natalist aspects of government policy. Results of the research will advance demogra- phic understanding of determinants of fertility, and will have implications for population control programs. The project is partially supported by RAND Corporation, The Population Council, and the Population Reference Bureau in addition to NSF.
