Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Total fertility rates have been falling across the world, with a majority of the world's countries and population now below generational replacement rate. Contrary to the initial assumption that women are merely delaying child-birth, in some advanced industrial countries the sub-replacement fertility trend has persisted for decades, indicating permanently lowered fertility expectations. This study looks at the differences and similarities between low fertility countries and those who have bounced back towards replacement levels. I use micro-level data from the World Values Survey to assess cultural shifts that relate to individual-level fertility decisions, as well as macro-level data to evaluate country-level conditions and, when either direct or indirect pro-natalist policies are in place, policy effectiveness. The results show a combination of cultural change and either family-friendly labor market norms or government intervention can indeed lead to a sustained rise in total fertility. However, cultural, historical and political factors might delay or prevent policy adjustment.
Author: Serban Tanasa
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W153279462