Bhutan is witnessing a wave of drastic fertility decline in recent decades. Its total fertility rate (TFR) currently sits at 2.3 children per woman. Bhutan’s TFR declined from a high of 5.6 in 1994 to a near replacement fertility level of 2.3 in 2012. Since fertility is considered one of the principal determinants of population growth, its changes mainly affect the age-structure, size and distribution of any population. The median age of population in Bhutan stands at 24 years, demonstrating a young population structure. Population growth is estimated to surge further as a result of this youthful age structure. With advancement in socio-economic conditions and improvement in general health of populace noticeable changes in childbearing preferences and use of contraception are evident, which calls for an in-depth examination to gain better insights.

This study aims to improve understanding of (a) fertility decline, (b) shift in childbearing preferences, and (c) to explore the potential role of socio-economic and other proximate determinants in this processes. This study mainly adopts quantitative approach involving retrospective analysis of prior nationally representative surveys and population & housing census data of Bhutan. Qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews in relation to study objectives will also be adopted to gain additional insights that are not adequately addressed by quantitative method. The findings of this study may contribute to the literature and knowledge for academia and varied users within Bhutan and beyond, while filling research gaps and stimulating further academic interests on the subject.

This is a PhD proposal seminar.

Tshering Jamtsho is a PhD Candidate in the School of Demography.