Peasant Families and Population Control in Eighteenth-Century Japan

• DOI: 10.2307/202664
• Publication Date: 2006-04-24T03:32:28Z
• Authors: Robert Y. Eng; Thomas C. Smith
• Keywords: Peasant; Birth control; Total fertility rate; Population control

An analysis of the annual population registers from 1717-1830 for village Nakahara in Japan indicated that infanticide was a common practice and major factor responsible low growth rate which characterized during 18th century. The data used to construct fertility curve. curve villagers did not contraception; however, consistent with type expected practicing infanticide. sex ratios, birth order, intervals provided additional evidence overall ratios were abnormally skewed; however when order examined together, revealed sexual bias both female male practiced. After 2nd child, couples tended have next child underrepresented previous births. Further suggested to: 1) limit family size; 2) create balance between size farm; 3) increase intervals; 4) avoid having same as previously born if had died (sic). These findings further might been slow observed total Japanese Results study presented tabular form.