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Understanding the Determinants of Fertility in Costa Rica

Castillo Guillén, Yelitza LU (2025) EKHS42 20251
Department of Economic History
Abstract
The study explores possible determinants of fertility in Costa Rica, in the context
of a fertility decline between 2010 and 2024, using a double hurdle model. The research
considers household, female, and male characteristics, as well as intra-household
bargaining dynamics. Key findings include a consistent negative effect of income on fertility,
supporting the quantity-quality trade-off theory. Education seems to have a major
role, where higher education increases the probability of having children but reduces the
number of children females have. Most regions in the coastal area report higher fertility
than the Central region for middle- and high-income groups. The results also indicate
a trade-off between employment and fertility... (More)
The study explores possible determinants of fertility in Costa Rica, in the context
of a fertility decline between 2010 and 2024, using a double hurdle model. The research
considers household, female, and male characteristics, as well as intra-household
bargaining dynamics. Key findings include a consistent negative effect of income on fertility,
supporting the quantity-quality trade-off theory. Education seems to have a major
role, where higher education increases the probability of having children but reduces the
number of children females have. Most regions in the coastal area report higher fertility
than the Central region for middle- and high-income groups. The results also indicate
a trade-off between employment and fertility for females, but not for men. Higher female
bargaining power within the household is linked to lower fertility. Finally, the study
provides evidence of a general fertility decline, especially among rural, low-income, and
less-educated groups, suggesting a convergence toward lower fertility rates. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Castillo Guillén, Yelitza LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
A Study of Costa Rica’s Fertility Decline
course
EKHS42 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Economic Demography, Fertility Decline, Education, Gender
language
English
id
9209024
date added to LUP
2025-08-18 10:44:48
date last changed
2025-08-18 10:44:48
@misc{9209024,
  abstract     = {{The study explores possible determinants of fertility in Costa Rica, in the context
of a fertility decline between 2010 and 2024, using a double hurdle model. The research
considers household, female, and male characteristics, as well as intra-household
bargaining dynamics. Key findings include a consistent negative effect of income on fertility,
supporting the quantity-quality trade-off theory. Education seems to have a major
role, where higher education increases the probability of having children but reduces the
number of children females have. Most regions in the coastal area report higher fertility
than the Central region for middle- and high-income groups. The results also indicate
a trade-off between employment and fertility for females, but not for men. Higher female
bargaining power within the household is linked to lower fertility. Finally, the study
provides evidence of a general fertility decline, especially among rural, low-income, and
less-educated groups, suggesting a convergence toward lower fertility rates.}},
  author       = {{Castillo Guillén, Yelitza}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Understanding the Determinants of Fertility in Costa Rica}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}