Infant Mortality Now and Then: The Dual Role of Economic Resources
Infant Mortality Now and Then: The Dual Role of Economic Resources

Summary/Abstract: This article attempts to show that comparisons between historic and contemporary research on infant mortality are difficult, since economic causal factors played quite different roles in contemporary and historical settings. Economic resources can contribute to infant survival in both positive and negative ways, and mortality corresponds differently to economic factors according to age group. If these caveats are taken into consideration, today’s campaigns to improve childcare in developing countries may still learn from historical studies of declining infant mortality in industrializing regions. Results based on individual level data as well as national aggregate data are discussed.

• Details
• Contents