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Remaining childless in affluent economies: a comparison of France, West Germany, Italy and Spain, 1994–2001 Rester sans enfant dans des sociétés d'abondances: une comparaison de la France, l'Allemagne de l'Ouest et l'Espagne, 19994–2001

Author

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  • María-José González

    (UPF)

  • Teresa Jurado-Guerrero

    (U.N.E.D.)

Abstract

This article explores why women delay childbearing and increase their likelihood to remain childless in Spain, Italy, West Germany and France. We take a macro–micro perspective and show that national institutions influence women’s life transitions, in particular partnership and motherhood. For coupled women, we find two alternative modes out of childlessness. In countries with high direct and indirect child costs, like Spain and Italy, entering a male-breadwinner couple or occupying a stable and high-income position facilitates motherhood, while in the French context motherhood is most likely in a dual-earner partnership.

Suggested Citation

  • María-José González & Teresa Jurado-Guerrero, 2006. "Remaining childless in affluent economies: a comparison of France, West Germany, Italy and Spain, 1994–2001 Rester sans enfant dans des sociétés d'abondances: une comparaison de la France, l'Allemagne," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 22(4), pages 317-352, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eurpop:v:22:y:2006:i:4:d:10.1007_s10680-006-9000-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10680-006-9000-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Andersen, Signe Hald & Özcan, Berkay, 2021. "The effects of unemployment on fertility," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 109007, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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