Early childbearing, especially if it shortens education, can also curtail occupational opportunities. Limited education can rule out jobs that are better paying and less physically arduous. Several factors that curb adolescent fertility rates are already evident in Latin America. Certainly the economic progress taking place in the region, and the regional move towards privatization, will spur urbanization. Furthermore, exposure and access to consumer goods that come with urban living raise the family's awareness that fewer children means more disposable income for those goods.
Fewer children means more disposable income for consumer goods.
Educational levels for females are on the rise in Latin America and, since the link between more education for females and decreased fertility is clear, this is likely to curb adolescent fertility rates. For example, survey data included in this report showed the effect of education on marriage rates which are, of course, tied to fertility rates. The following chart demonstrates this effect in Colombia. These trends were evident in other countries surveyed as well. Extended education tends to delay age at first marriage, but delayed marriage also allows for pursuit of education and occupational opportunities.