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Why Have Children in the 21st Century? Biological Predisposition, Social Coercion, Rational Choice

Author

Listed:
  • S. Philip Morgan

    (Duke University)

  • Rosalind Berkowitz King

    (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

Abstract

This review examines arguments and evidence pertaining to the question: why have children in settings where the net economic costs of children are clearly substantial? Thereview is organized around three themes: biologicalpredispositions, environment (social coercion) and rationalchoice. Specifically, we explore the argument that evolution hasproduced sets of genes that predispose persons to childbearing bymaking sex and parenthood pleasurable. We review sociologicalarguments regarding the pronatalism/antinatalism of societalinstitutions. Finally, we discuss arguments that stress therationality of childbearing decisions by appealing to biologicalpredispositions and the economic and non-economic values ofchildren. The authors speculate that while a modern socialstructure and rationale supportive of childbearing could beconstructed, such changes are not inevitable and may be difficultin the face of competing interests. Moreover, future social andtechnological change could alter the context of childbearingsubstantially. This uncertainty complicates policyrecommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Philip Morgan & Rosalind Berkowitz King, 2001. "Why Have Children in the 21st Century? Biological Predisposition, Social Coercion, Rational Choice," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 17(1), pages 3-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eurpop:v:17:y:2001:i:1:d:10.1023_a:1010784028474
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1010784028474
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    References listed on IDEAS

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