Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa has until recently been considered a continent of steady high fertility levels. However, a consistent effort in new statistical surveys has produced a substantial body of data indicating that the continent is now entering the fertility transition stage at various paths depending on the countries, and that the transition is occurring more rapidly among the urban than rural population in each country. This paper examines the impact of these changes on nuptiality patterns, intergenerational relations, gender relations and empowerment of women. It reveals certain trends in the African family: Traditional family norms are challenged, and new types of families are emerging; age at entry in union is being postponed; the ideal number of children is decreasing; requested solidarity towards the elderly, in some cases, are being abandoned; new families are emerging, often more consensual than before but also more fragile; due to migration or to polygyny, women heads of household become a common residential arrangement.
Recommended Citation
Locoh, Therese
(2002)
"Fertility Decline and Family Changes in Sub-Saharan Africa,"
Journal of African Policy Studies: Vol. 8:
No.
2, Article 3.
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/joaps/vol8/iss2/3