Perceived Benefits and Costs of Children and Fertility in Kuwait

Nasra M. Shah, Kuwait University
Constance A. Nathanson, Johns Hopkins University

Kuwait has been a high fertility country where the average number of desired children still exceeds 5. However, fertility behavior is beginning to show a major change and the current TFR is close to 4 children. In order to understand the decline in fertility, we analyze the impact of perceived costs and benefits of children on Kuwaiti women's desired and achieved fertility. Data from a nationally representative survey of Kuwaiti households held in 1999 are used. Multiple regression results show that the mean desired number of children is significantly higher among those who rank higher on the perceived value of children. Achieved fertility (children ever born) is significantly lower among those more highly concerned with costs of children. Furthermore, wife's age at marriage, her education, and non-Bedouin ethnicity have a negative association with desired as well as achieved fertility.