On the Reconciliation of Research Findings of Migrant-Nonmigrant Fertility Differentials in Urban Areas

Studies of migrant fertility in urban areas date back prior to World War I (Thomas 1938). In the United States detailed analysis of migrant-native differentials in urban settings began as early as 1938 (Kiser 1938) and today there is a substantial and growing body of literature concerning the relationship between migration and fertility (for a comprehensive bibliography see Myers and Macisco 1975). In recent years however as information has become available from a wider variety of social settings and demographers report findings that seem inconsistent we seem to be suffering from an embarrassment of riches. For it has become increasingly difficult to reconcile contradictions mush less integrate research results into a meaningful and coherent whole. It is not surprising therefore that the concern for additional and more detailed data is acute. Though we share this concern we fell that such information will be of much greater significance if analyzed in the context of a more profound understanding and appreciation of current knowledge. Existing literature serves unfortunately as an inadequate guide to research because of the many unresolved contradictions. The goal of this paper is to account for and suggest ways of reconciling these inconsistencies. To the extent that we are successful we should be in a better position to discern and interpret empirical regularities. (excerpt)