Demographic transitions and social inequalities in Brazil

Abstract

This article examines the idiosyncrasies of demographic transitions in Brazil caused by the extreme disparities among regions and socioeconomic groups. While ubiquitous, demographic transition in Brazil shows a number of different facets. It is far from being a neutral process and creates opportunities as well as broad socioeconomic disparities. Because of differences in fertility rates by SES, those in lower-income brackets constitute the fastest growing populational group, as well as the group with the youngest age distribution. This article argues that socioeconomic differences are related to demographic disparities. Therefore, the development of public policies to improve the well-being of the poorest may help increase demographic dividends for the entire population.