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Optimal age at motherhood. Theoretical and empirical considerations on postponement of maternity in Europe

Author

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  • Siv Gustafsson

    (Department of Economics, University of Amsterdam, Roetersstraat 11, 1018 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The age at which women become mothers has increased to an all time high in most European countries in the past decennia. This increase of age at first birth is the main explanatory variable for the rapid decrease in fertility in European countries which has occurred at different points of time earlier in North and West Europe than in South Europe. To understand the development of the period fertility rate it is therefore crucial to understand the determinants of optimal age at maternity. This paper reviews empirical and theoretical literature and tries to give suggestions on future research directions. The econometric so called timing and spacing literature has used current female wages and male incomes as the main explanatory variables. However, theoretical research identifies on the one hand consumption smoothing, and on the other hand career planning of the woman as the main explanations to the postponement of maternity.

Suggested Citation

  • Siv Gustafsson, 2001. "Optimal age at motherhood. Theoretical and empirical considerations on postponement of maternity in Europe," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 14(2), pages 225-247.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:14:y:2001:i:2:p:225-247
    Note: Received: 23 September 1999/Accepted: 15 May 2000
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Postponement of maternity · economic theories of timing of fertility;

    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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