The Economics of Population Policy: A Neglected Field of Priority Research.

T. P. Schultz

Expert InsightsPublished 1971

Direction and priority for theoretical and empirical population research and funding. Public policy can affect reproductive motivations indirectly by (1) inducing parents to invest more heavily in the child through mandatory school attendance rather than permitting early labor force participation; (2) increasing a woman's economic opportunities by encouraging her to perform functions incompatible or competitive with childbearing; and (3) reducing infant and child mortality, thereby influencing parents to reduce the number of births needed to reach the number of surviving children they desire. Since there is no single best approach to understanding fertility determinants, it is appropriate to fund research based on contending views: duplication of research now may be less costly than foreclosing options. To correct current imbalances in funding priorities, NSF, HEW, and AID should have funding for basic inquiries into fertility determinants and welfare consequences of alternative population growth policies. 4 pp.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1971
  • Pages: 4
  • Document Number: P-4637

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Schultz, T. P., The Economics of Population Policy: A Neglected Field of Priority Research. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1971. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4637.html.
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