Cultural Change, Female Marriage Rates, and the Fertility of Taiwan = Cultural Change, Female Marriage Rates, and the Fertility of Taiwan

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Taiwan has been suffering from low marriage rates and fertility since the country experienced political democratization that led to cultural change over the past two decades. This study examines how the evolved culture influences the female marriage rates and birthrates of the country. Variables bearing cultural notions and characteristics are conceptualized and operationalized. Data of aggregate level collected from official sources from 1988 to 2010 were analyzed. Single regression method was employed to perform preliminary examination, and multivariate analysis technique was utilized to perform theoretical elaboration. Findings indicate that the two sets of predictors are causally associated with the two dependent variables in distinguishable manners. Cultural transformation and the resulting change of attitudes toward marriage and childrearing lead to the decrease in female marriage rates as well as birthrates. Encouraging more women to get married efficiently promotes fertility. Policies purporting to fulfill the goal and directions for subsequent research are suggested.

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