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Religious Fertility Differentials Among the Yoruba of Western Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

I. Sembajwe
I. Sembajwe
Affiliation:
University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Summary

This study examines the influence of religion on fertility among the Yoruba of Western Nigeria. There is a distinct differential in fertility by religion. Fertility is lower for Moslems than for Christians. The difference is attributed to the traditional characteristics of Moslems as opposed to the relatively modern characteristics of Christians. For example, Moslems have low education and low occupational status. Consequently, Moslems rather than Christians are more likely to observe longer periods of post-natal abstinence, and to experience higher pregnancy wastage and sterility rates.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , April 1980 , pp. 153 - 164
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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