Couples’ decisions on having a first child

Abstract

We investigate the decision-making process of having a first child, using theories on individualisation, lifestyle choices and negotiating partnerships as a starting point. We compare couples who had their first child at a relatively young age with those who had their first child at an older than average age, using data from semi-structured interviews with 33 couples, selected from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (NKPS). Although expecting more explicit decision-making among older parents, our qualitative analyses show that decision-making preceding both early and postponed first childbirth is often implicit. Disagreement between partners does not necessarily lead to discussion. Factors that result in the postponement of childbearing, such as higher education, do not always play a conscious role in people's decision-making processes.

Concerns about One’s Own Future or Securing Child’s Future: Paradox of Childbearing Decision Making

“…This conservative approach toward childbearing is consistent with theories of rational choice, risk aversion and gender equity [37]. In study by Rijkin (2009), concerns about age and losing childbearing opportunities due to reproductive biological clock were proposed by majority of women [38].…”

“…The study of Rijken (2009) in the Netherlands showed that limited freedom was a very important issue in childbearing decision making. In the Netherlands Fertility and Family Survey, 50% of men and women who had not any child up to 30 years old (women) or 33 years old (men) mentioned that the desire to enjoy their freedom was the main reason for delaying childbearing [38].…”

A Path Analysis of Factors Influencing the First Childbearing Decision-Making in Women in Shahrood in 2014

“…Some couples consider having children early in their marriage a threat to the chance of being alone with their spouse and enjoying their freedom, pursuing fun activities, traveling and spending time together, and thus delay their childbearing decision-making. Moreover, the uncertainty about fully knowing one's spouse (especially in the case of traditional marriages) and feelings of doubt about the stability of the marital relationship caused by disputes and consuming discussions over the course of getting to know one another lead to childbearing hesitations (Kariman et al, 2014b;Kariman et al, 2014a;Testa et al, 2012;Kariman et al, 2015;Klobas, 2011;Rijken, 2009;Samadaee-Gelehkolaee et al, 2014).…”

“…A long-term process of reflection and intellectual debate may therefore precede childbearing. Previous studies on fertility have failed to take into account the process of childbearing decision-making (Rijken & Knijn, 2009;Kariman et al, 2014a).…”

Childbearing motivational patterns of primiparous women of advanced age and their partners

“…The few studies that have overcome this limitation have indicated that both members of couples who experience first childbirth at later age usually value personal fulfillment but struggle more with childrearing responsibilities and constraints than their younger counterparts (Rijken & Knij, 2009;Schlesinger & Schlesinger, 1989). However, Van Balen (2005 showed that the age differences related to personal fulfillment, partnership, identity and social status have no expression among men.…”