Brazil records a drastic drop in births and age to have children increase

In 60 years, the average children per woman fall from 6.28 to 1.55, according to IBGE

Brazil has had a drastic decrease in the number of births in the last 60 years, according to the new data of the Demographic census 2022 From Brasilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) issued this Friday 27 fertility and migration. The age in which women also become mothers have increased during this period.

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The total fertility rate of the country (TFT) – number indicating the average number of children per woman – He fell from 6.28 in 1960 to only 1.55 in 2022according to the census. This means that it was previously more common for women in Brazil to have up to 6 children, while most of them have only one.

The northern region, historically, has the greatest number of births, but the fall has been accentuated in the region. The number fell from 8.56 to 1.89 in the same period. The data show that Brazil is below the level of replacement of the population, which is around 2.1 children per woman.

The indicator indicates the accelerated aging of the population and can have direct consequences for the labor market and also affect migration in the country, in the labor market and in the planning of public policies.

Age to have children increase

Another factor that shows a change in behavior over the years is the Middle Ages of women who are mothers. In 2000, age was 26.3 years. In 2022, age rose to 28.1. However, there are still variations between states and social groups.

The Federal District presented the highest average age in the country: 29.3 years. Already pará had the lowest: 26.8 years. White women were the most postponed motherhood, for the 29 years, followed by Neri, with 27.8 and brown with 27.6.

The model is repeated when the level of education is observed. Women with a complete higher education had children, on average, at 30.7, while those without instructions or with incomplete elementary had children at 26.7.

Women without children

Another data that attracts attention is the growth of the number of women who have crossed the reproductive phase of life without having children. In 2000, 10% of Brazilians between 50 and 59 years old had no children. In 2022, this percentage went to 16.1%, showing an increase of over 60%, according to IBGE.

Regional differences show that this trend is influenced by culture and economy. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, 21% of women in this age group have never had children, being the highest percentage among states. In the tocantine, the number is 11.8%.

Who has more children?

IBGE data reveal that women with less education, brown, black and evangelicals have more children than white and with higher education. The data opens Brazilian social inequality.

Women with a lower level of education continue to have more children on average. In 2022, those without instructions or with incomplete elementary school had a TFT of 2.01 children. Among women with a complete higher education, this rate was only 1.19.

The differences appear even if analyzed by color or breed: indigenous women have recorded the highest fertility rate in the country, with 2.84 children per woman, followed by brown, with 1.68 and black, with 1.59. The lowest rates were observed among white women, with 1.35 and yellow, with 1.22.

Religion also influences this choice. The only group with a higher rate than the national average, which is 1.55 was that of evangelical women, with 1.74 children per woman. Already the spiritualists have recorded the lowest rate, with 1.01, followed by women of Umbanda and Candomblé, with 1.25 and various religions, with 1.39. Catholic, 1.49 and without religion, with 1.47, are close to the national average.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.