Transformation in the Natural Fertility Regime of Western Alaskan Eskimo

Abstract

This paper documents fertility trends in four Western Alaskan Eskimo villages for three 10 year time periods: (1) 1945 through 1954 at which time these villages were largely isolated from Western contact; (2) 1955 through 1964 a decade during which Public Health nursing bottle feeding generally improved living conditions and a steadier year-round food supply were introduced; and (3) 1965 through 1974 the decade in which birth control information and products were first made available....We shall show that with the changes occurring in the period 1954-1965 infant mortality declined markedly and that fertility increased dramatically and that over the period 1965-1974 fertility has fallen but without initiating fertility transition. (EXCERPT)