The Fertility of Rhode Island Catholics: 1968-1969*

This is an analysis of ferti l ity differentials between Catholics and non-Catholics in Rhode Island. Representative samples of the population were derived and interviews conducted in 1968 and 1969. Although Catholics exhibit higher ferti l ity expectation than do non-Catholics, differences are smaller than those observed in earlier national surveys. Furthermore, Catholics indicate an increasing tendency to practice birth control, though not to the extent of non-Catholics. Ir is suggested that the recent emergence o f American Catholics into the "'power structure " has resulted in a loss of minority-status feeling. This may partially explain the developing convergence noted between the two groups. However, a strong religious ideology, limiting birth control to the rhythm method, continues to influence many Catholics and this is preventing a complete convergence in fertil ity behavior