title: Replacement fertility, what has it been and what does it mean?
abstract: Replacement fertility is a term commonly used by demographers when referring to levels of childbearing and yet is rarely explained. It is normally presented as being around 2.1 children per woman. Continued below replacement fertility in developed countries and fertility falling in developing countries has given the concept of replacement fertility a higher profile. This article explains how replacement level is calculated and explores the concept further. Past replacement fertility levels are calculated for England and Wales. A possible alternative definition of replacement is also presented. Simple projection scenarios are used to show the effect on population of below replacement fertility, and also of postponement of fertility. The importance and implications of below replacement fertility are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Population and Demography Division, Office for National Statistics.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smallwood
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chamberlain
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001723:Birth Rate / Q000639:trends*; D019049:Developed Countries; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012744:Sex Ratio; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology