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Kinderwunsch im Krieg: Kriegserfahrung und Fertilität in Deutschland im Zweiten Weltkrieg

Author

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  • Piro Katerina

    (Universität Mannheim, Abteilung Volkswirtschaftslehre, Lehrstuhl für Wirtschaftsgeschichte, L7,3-5, D-68131, Mannheim, Germany)

Abstract

Does the experience of war necessarily lead to lower fertility and the postponement of starting or enlarging a family? This qualitative analysis verifies the economic and sociological theories of family planning during war. The excellent source material from World War II in Germany allows for an analysis of a large number of ego-documents. The results imply that married couples were aware of the difficult circumstances and dealt with increased infertility, miscarriages and infant mortality. However, they did not let adversity interfere with their generative decisions. The experience of war did not deter people from planning, starting or building a family. It appears that during wartime, children fulfilled important psychological values for their (prospective) parents.

Suggested Citation

  • Piro Katerina, 2018. "Kinderwunsch im Krieg: Kriegserfahrung und Fertilität in Deutschland im Zweiten Weltkrieg," Jahrbuch für Wirtschaftsgeschichte / Economic History Yearbook, De Gruyter, vol. 59(2), pages 471-505, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:jbwige:v:59:y:2018:i:2:p:471-505:n:6
    DOI: 10.1515/jbwg-2018-0016
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    Keywords

    Fertility; World War II; Germany; ego-documents; family planning; crisis; Fertilität; Zweiter Weltkrieg; Deutschland; Tagebücher; Feldpost; Kinderwunsch; Familiengründung; Krise;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J - Labor and Demographic Economics
    • N - Economic History
    • D - Microeconomics

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