Immigration, social change and cohort fertility in Israel

The patterns of fertility change and variation in Israel provide a unique opportunity to analyse the impact of immigration on fertility. Survey data were collected on 14, 000 Jewish women to study cohort fertility trends of specific immigrant sub-populations in Israel and their socio-economic backgrounds. The information presented shows a major convergence of fertility among the heterogeneous immigrant - ethnic sub-populations. The convergence of fertility within ethnic groups (arriving in Israel at different periods), between ethnic groups of different socio-economic backgrounds and between generations is remarkable evidence of rapid fertility response appropriate to societal changes. An attempt is made to account for these patterns, particularly the recent fertility increase experienced by all ethnic groups in Israel, in relationship to the interaction of two forces: The conspicuous economic growth, particularly since 1967, and the ‘insurance’ motivation associated with continuous military losses.