How Similar are the Determinants of Mortality and Fertility?*

Abstract

In a pre-transition situation both fertility and mortality are high. However, in the process of demographic transition, fertility decline follows mortality decline and when the demographic transition is complete both these variables vary closely at a low level. In other words, both these variables behave in a way which are oomplimentaJy to each other and hence it may be hypothesised that the factors which explain variation in fertility should explain variation in mortality or vice versa. Nevertheless, the strength and sometimes even direction of these determinants may vary from time to time and from place to place. Presently, Pakistan is in the process of demographic transition. By using the 1990-91 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data, here in this exercise, an attempt is made to identify and investigate' the similarities and the differences if any, in the determinants of both fertility and mortality.