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Gendered fertility intentions and child schooling: insights on the quantity–quality trade-off from Ethiopia

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  • Boonaert, Eva
  • Van Hoyweghen, Kaat
  • Feyisa, Ashenafi Duguma
  • Goos, Peter
  • Maertens, Miet

Abstract

Fertility decline in human history is a complex enigma. Different triggers have been proposed, among others the increased demand for human capital resulting in parents making a quantity–quality (QQ) trade-off. This is the first study that examines the existence of a QQ trade-off and the possible gender bias by analyzing fertility intentions rather than fertility outcomes. We rely on the unified growth theory to understand the QQ trade-off conceptually and a discrete choice experiment conducted among 426 respondents in Ethiopia to analyze fertility intentions empirically. We confirm the existence of a QQ trade-off only when the number of children is less than six and find that intentions are gendered in two ways: (i) boys are preferred over girls, and (ii) men are willing to trade-off more education in return for more children. Results imply that a focus on both stimulating intentions for education, especially girls' education, and on family size intentions is important to accelerate the demographic transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Boonaert, Eva & Van Hoyweghen, Kaat & Feyisa, Ashenafi Duguma & Goos, Peter & Maertens, Miet, 2025. "Gendered fertility intentions and child schooling: insights on the quantity–quality trade-off from Ethiopia," Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 91(1), pages 1-48, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:demeco:v:91:y:2025:i:1:p:1-48_1
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