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Religions and Low Fertility Today

Author

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  • Mirjana Rašević

    (Demographic Research Centre, Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade (Serbia))

Abstract

Our understanding of whether, to what extent, and under which conditions religions nowadays influence birth levels depends on research. It is important to seek answers to two fundamental questions. The first question is about the role of religiosity and religious affiliation in the deterministic cause of low fertility and family planning in recent times. The second question deals with the influence of religious institutions on birth levels and the exercise of reproductive rights at the global level and within certain population groups over recent decades. To that end, the paper provides an overview of theoretical examinations of the connection between religions and fertility, empirical studies addressing low completed fertility, birth control, or sexual behaviour in relation to religiosity or religious affiliation of individuals, as well as the influence of religious institutions on fertility transition and the respect of human rights in this field. A review of the recent studies of various populations characterised by low birth levels shows that religiosity, especially practising religion, encourages people to uphold traditional values, attitudes, and behaviours that are directly or indirectly related to the concepts of marriage and childbearing. Moreover, it sheds light on some examples of religious institutions’ concrete opposition to progress in this area, while also highlighting contradictory cases of religions supporting profound contemporary changes in reproductive behaviour.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirjana Rašević, 2019. "Religions and Low Fertility Today," Stanovnistvo, Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia, vol. 57(2), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:57:y:2019:i:2:id:348
    DOI: 10.2298/STNV190814005R
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nitzan Peri-Rotem, 2016. "Religion and Fertility in Western Europe: Trends Across Cohorts in Britain, France and the Netherlands," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 32(2), pages 231-265, May.
    2. Kevin McQuillan, 2004. "When Does Religion Influence Fertility?," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 30(1), pages 25-56, March.
    3. Jacqueline Heinen & Stéphane Portet, 2010. "Reproductive Rights in Poland: when politicians fear the wrath of the Church," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(6), pages 1007-1021.
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