Indigenous fertility transitions in developed countries

Abstract

This paper explores contemporary indigenous fertility among minority, colonised peoples in developed countries. It compares the similar pattern in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States of relatively low total fertility rates alongside childbearing that is heavily concentrated at the youngest ages. These patterns of early childbearing are more remarkable because they are taking place in countries where fertility has been deferred to much older ages among the colonising majority population. The paper considers whether the shared experience of colonisation and minority status have had demographic consequences that warrant exploration of indigenous-specific theories of population change.