The Emerging Demographic Transitions of Southeast Asia

Abstract

Among the worlds regions Southeast Asia appears to be second only to East Asia in its potential for completed fertility transitions in the near future. This article uses microdata from 1970 and 1980 censuses to examine the first phase of fertility declines in four major Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines and Thailand. In spite of wide variations across countries clear evidence emerges of significant fertility declines in all four; moreover within countries once fertility transition is well under way all social groups and geographical areas are affected. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA) (EXCERPT)