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A comparative microdemographic study of two communities in coastal Midnapore district, West Bengal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Barun Mukhopadhyay
Barun Mukhopadhyay
Affiliation:
Anthropometry and Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta, India
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Summary

The results of a demographic study of two occupationally distinguishable caste communities inhabiting the neighbouring settlements of Balaramchak and Bamanchak in the Geonkhali region, coastal Midnapore district, West Bengal, are reported. Although there is no significant difference in mortality between the two settlements, fertility is generally higher in Balaramchak than in Bamanchak. Further, fertility seems to have declined over time in both the settlements, with the decline commencing earlier in Bamanchak. Possible explanations for the inter-settlement and temporal differences in terms of occupation and family planning practices, as well as the possible genetic consequences of these differences, are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 13 , Issue 4 , October 1981 , pp. 479 - 489
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

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