Reproduction - Our Reproductive Patterns

A look at the history of births — and birth rates — may be a suitable way to introduce a chapter titled Reproduction. Most of the panels in this chapter will focus on the later part of the 20th century. By taking a look at a longer sweep of time, we can see the fluctuating nature of our reproductive patterns.

The fertility rate was high during and after World War I. The Roaring 20s produced a slide in fertility and births. Both measures began to climb during the dark days of the Depression as people drew back to basic values. This flattened briefly as Johnny marched off to another war and Rosie the Riveter went to the factory. When the boys came back from war we had a Baby Boom of historic size, defining the demographic landscape of a century. It stands like a mountain in the center of this century of births.

As the 1960s began, fertility began to drop reaching record lows by the mid-1970s. This was an era of change as reliable contraceptives made control over pregnancy possible. Norms regulating sexual activity were questioned by many. The product of the Baby Boom was reaching its own age of reproduction and decided to consider other options.

The falling fertility rate leveled out in the last 15 years of the century. The constant ebb and flow of generations continues. But, are we producing enough babies to replenish our numbers? That is what we will look at next.

Source: "Vital Statistics of the United States, 1998," Volume I, Natality, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, updated from later issues of National Vital Statistics Reports and Monthly Vital Statistics Reports also published by the NCHS.