ABSTRACT
The birthrate is affected by a wide range of social and economic factors. Obviously, various factors influence it to different degrees. The most important ones, which in the view have a determining effect on the dynamics of the birthrate, are those associated with the changing social position of women and the functions of the family. The economic conditions and the psychological premises set by them determined demographic behavior, which was oriented toward a high birthrate and large families. The most important features of demographic behavior typical of an agrarian society are rigid social control over that behavior and strict adherence to social mores in marriage, childbearing, and sexual behaviour. The purpose of demographic policy is not to influence birthrates directly, but rather to foster general opinions about the desirable number of children a family should have. Developed socialist society possesses all the prerequisites for successfully solving problems involving the elaboration and implementation of an effective demographic policy.
