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Beyond Usual Suspects: Revisiting Barriers to Childbearing Decisions in a Low Fertility Setting

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Kurowska

    (Interdisciplinary Centre for Labour Market and Family Dynamics (LabFam), University of Warsaw)

  • Anna Matysiak

    (Interdisciplinary Centre for Labour Market and Family Dynamics (LabFam), University of Warsaw)

  • Magdalena Grabowska

    (Interdisciplinary Centre for Labour Market and Family Dynamics (LabFam), University of Warsaw)

Abstract

Fertility rates in developed countries have declined to historically low levels, yet the reasons remain incompletely understood. While economic insecurity, housing affordability, and gender inequality have been central to earlier research, recent attention has shifted to climate change and reproductive rights. This study examines the relative importance of contextual constraints on childbearing intentions among young adults in Poland. Using a factorial survey (N = 1,337), we compare how employment stability, housing affordability, childcare availability, men’s domestic contributions, climate change, and abortion rights shape intentions to have a first or second child. Results confirm the enduring salience of economic security for fertility intentions across gender and parenthood status. Reproductive autonomy is most influential for childless women and important for mothers and partnered men. Childcare and equitable domestic arrangements support women’s intentions but matter less for men. Climate concerns are less influential. Intentions of childless men appear less responsive overall.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Kurowska & Anna Matysiak & Magdalena Grabowska, 2025. "Beyond Usual Suspects: Revisiting Barriers to Childbearing Decisions in a Low Fertility Setting," Working Papers 2025-15, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.
    • Handle: RePEc:war:wpaper:2025-15
    as

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    File URL: https://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/download_file/5650/0
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Karel Neels & Leen Marynissen & Jonas Wood, 2024. "Economic Cycles and Entry into Parenthood: Is the Association Changing and Does it Affect Macro-Level Trends? Micro-Level Hazard and Simulation Models of Belgian Fertility Trends, 1960–2010," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 40(1), pages 1-34, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fertility intentions; factorial survey experiment; economic insecurity; reproductive autonomy; gender equality; childcare availability; climate change;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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