ABSTRACT
The influence of family structure on fertility behavior is a classic question in social demography. Theoretically, there are expectations that extended family structure provides support for early childbearing and consequently a high level of fertility (Davis 1955; Davis and Blake 1956; Goode 1970; Ryder 1983). Shared economic costs of children and child care, as well as an emphasis on family continuity and encouragement of early marriage, and early childbearing from parents, are often cited as some of the main reasons why extended family systems may induce high fertility (Davis 1955).
