A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What does the fertility rate measure?

1. The total number of births in a specific year

2. The average number of children a woman is likely to have

3. The total number of women giving birth annually

4. The percentage of births causing complications

The correct answer is: The average number of children a woman is likely to have

The fertility rate specifically measures the average number of children a woman is likely to have during her reproductive years. It is typically expressed as a number or rate, such as the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which estimates the total number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime based on current birth rates. This measure is significant for understanding population growth, demographic changes, and the potential social and economic impacts of changing family size trends. In contrast, the total number of births in a specific year refers to a measure of birth events, not the reproductive behavior of women overall. The total number of women giving birth annually counts the participants in birth events but does not reflect the average number of children born per woman. The percentage of births causing complications pertains to maternal and infant health rather than fertility, which is focused directly on reproductive patterns and outcomes. Thus, the correct choice provides a comprehensive understanding of how fertility is quantified sociologically.