Annals of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria 21(1) 2016/17 DOI: 10.36108/ssan/171602.12.0110
The effect of the Pace of Gender Revolution on Fertility Transition in West Africa: A Comparative Analysis
OnipedeWusu & Uche C. Isiugo-Abanihe
Abstract
The influence of the pace of gender revolution on fertility change in West Africa is examined. Data from two waves of Demographic and Health Survey(DHS)pertaining to 11 countries are analysed using descriptive tools and Poisson regression. The analysis demonstrates the emergence of gender revolution, defined as the emergence of an era where women embrace opportunities in education and labour market, thereby getting involved in the public sphere, at varying degrees across West Africa. A negative and significant association exists between gender revolution and fertility indicator in almost all the countries (p<0.05). Countries that experienced a decline in fertility showed relatively higher percentage increase in either high or medium gender revolution. Chad and Niger, where fertility increased between the two waves of DHS, indicated the lowest levels of gender revolution. The findings suggest that the pace of gender revolution is a significant factor in the rate of fertility decline in West Africa. Therefore, investment in female education, hence, enhancing the social standard of the girl-child, and boosting the economy of respective countries to create employment, would make a significant contribution to fertility transition in West Africa.
Keywords: Gender revolution, fertility, fertility transition, public sphere, West Africa