Birthrate and Reproductive Attitudes of Rural Population: a Case Study of the Republic of Kalmykia

Abstract

The demographic situation in rural territories is currently characterized as ‘unfavorable’ and requires closer consideration of corresponding behaviors in the rural population. The republic of Kalmykia clusters with regions of natural population increase and negative migration balance. The trend is most evident in its rural areas. A statistical analysis shows that between 2012 and 2016 the natural increase rates in the country are lower than those of the urban population; which is contrary the traditional state of affairs with birthrates among the rural residents exceeding those among city dwellers. A comparison of cumulative birthrates of both the rural and urban populations testifies that the mentioned state of things existed till 2013, and in subsequent years the cumulative urban birthrate has been higher than the rural population. In an effort to estimate Kalmykia’s demographic potential, an opinion poll aimed to reveal the reproductive attitudes of the regional population was conducted. Most respondents declared they expected to have two or three children. Reproductive expectations of rural informants proved higher than those of city respondents. Our comparison of answers about expected and desired parities shows that with all circumstances required at hand the share or respondents inclined to have three and more children increases. While possession of many children is planned by 58,5 % of the respondents, this share may reach 68,5 % with all required conditions available. Analysis of answers given by urban and rural informants shows that provided they have all related opportunities, 59,8 % of urban residents and 71,7 % of rural dwellers do not exclude the possibility of giving birth to three and more children. The case study concludes that reproductive attitudes (expectations) of the rural population are higher than the ones developed by Kalmykia’s urban population.