Socio-economic Problems within Households due to Fertility Decline: a case study of Yatiyana and Isadeen Town GN Divisions

Abstract

Fertility can be defined as the condition, quality, and degree of being fertile for an individual. It has been declining in the world as well as in Sri Lanka for the past two decades. According to the Census and Statistics (2005), the Total Fertility Rate in Sri Lanka was declined from 5.0 during 1962-64 to 1.9 during 1995-2000. The consequences of fertility decline can be identified in the Sri Lankan society at present. Therefore, this particular study aims to identify the socio-economic problems occur due to fertility decline in Sri Lanka. Two areas, representing both urban and rural were selected for this study. They are Yatiyana (rural) and Isadeen Town (urban) GN divisions in Matara District. Primary data were collected using several methods such as questionnaire survey, discussions, and field observation. Data analysis were done using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings reveal that fertility has a strong relationship with women’s employment status and the age at marriage in the study areas while it has no significant relationship with their education. Also, it could be identified that economic, social, cultural, demographic and health problems are faced by the households due to fertility decline.