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Changes in Family Size Intentions Across Young Adulthood: A Life-Course Perspective
[Evolution des intentions en matière de taille de famille en début d’âge adulte: une approche biographique]

Author

Listed:
  • Aart C. Liefbroer

    (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute
    VU University Amsterdam)

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a resurgence in the interest in family size intentions and ideals in developed societies, partially stemming from the idea that realized fertility in these societies is lower than intended fertility. This paper addresses the question of the stability of family size intentions. Based on Heckhausen’s life-span theory of control, it is hypothesized that young adults’ family size intentions are likely to change as a result of their experiences in the family and occupational life domains. To study this issue, data are used from a Dutch panel survey in which respondents are questioned on their family size intentions six times over the course of 18 years. The results show that family size intentions are not stable, but are adjusted as people age. On average, the adjustment is downward, but some people do not adjust their intentions or even adjust them upwards. Much of this difference in age patterns can be explained by changes in the partner, educational, and occupational careers of young adults. Not finding a suitable partner and pursuing a career—for women—are important factors. But also the timing of the fertility career itself is of major importance. If respondents postpone having children until their thirties, they are much more likely to adjust their intentions downwards than if they start their childbearing career earlier.

Suggested Citation

  • Aart C. Liefbroer, 2009. "Changes in Family Size Intentions Across Young Adulthood: A Life-Course Perspective [Evolution des intentions en matière de taille de famille en début d’âge adulte: une approche biographique]," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 25(4), pages 363-386, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eurpop:v:25:y:2009:i:4:d:10.1007_s10680-008-9173-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10680-008-9173-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aart C. Liefbroer & Martine Corijn, 1999. "Who, What, Where, and When? Specifying the Impact of Educational Attainment and Labour Force Participation on Family Formation," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 15(1), pages 45-75, March.
    2. Richard A. Settersten, 2007. "Passages to Adulthood: Linking Demographic Change and Human Development," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 23(3), pages 251-272, October.
    3. repec:cai:poeine:pope_601_0099 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Haris Symeonidou, 2000. "Expected and Actual Family Size in Greece: 1983–1997," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 16(4), pages 335-352, December.
    5. Maria Rita Testa & Vegard Skirbekk & Wolfgang Lutz, 2006. "The Low Fertility Trap Hypothesis. Forces that May Lead to Further Postponement and Fewer Births in Europe," Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, Vienna Institute of Demography (VID) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, vol. 4(1), pages 167-192.
    6. Frank Heiland & Alexia Prskawetz & Warren C. Sanderson, 2008. "Are Individuals’ Desired Family Sizes Stable? Evidence from West German Panel Data," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 24(2), pages 129-156, June.
    7. Laurent Toulemon & Maria Rita Testa, 2006. "Family Formation in France: Individual Preferences and Subsequent Outcomes," Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, Vienna Institute of Demography (VID) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, vol. 4(1), pages 41-75.
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