On the Relationship between Fertility, Development and Gender Equality: A Comparison of Western and MENA Countries

The changing macro-level relationship between fertility and development (i.e., the standard of living, health education) from negative to positive for most advanced economies has received considerable attention recently. Using aggregate data, we compare in Western countries with Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, where rates are higher than other regions identical levels development. To understand drivers this association, further link components as well female labour force participation separately. Our findings show that were positively associated only a short period turned again recent years. Recent data also there is no significant MENA countries. These indicate well-acknowledged theories do not apply every context.