Economic Insecurity and Fertility Intentions: The Case of Italy

Abstract

Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen:Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden.Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen.Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. Terms of use: Documents in AbstractWe aim to provide an explanation for the combination of the relatively low female participation rates and lowest-low fertility levels in Italy. Starting from the assumption that childbearing decisions also depend on uncertainty about future employment, income, and wealth, we empirically assess how fertility intentions are affected by: 1) the deprivation of a quality job, which may severely compromise the employability of workers and is likely to provoke feelings of insecurity about future employment; 2) conditions of economic disadvantage in terms of household income and wealth, which may imply insufficient means to deal with potential adverse future events, thereby generating in the household feelings of anxiety and economic insecurity. We show that the instability of women's work status (i.e. the holding of occasional and precarious employment positions) significantly discourages the decision to have a first child. Low levels of household wealth significantly and positively influence the decision to postpone, or even decide against, having a first child. The chances of further childbirth are significantly and negatively influenced by household income insecurity.JEL Codes: C25, J13.

European Fertility: An Examination of Shifting Fertility Trends in Italy, Spain, and Sweden

“…But during the 1960s, there was a downward shift in the total fertility rates of many European countries as women entered the workforce and began postponing childbearing. This was attributed to increased access to education, changing notions of family formation, and a cultural shift in gender roles for women (Modena, Rondinelli, & Sabatini, 2014). Couples in Italy and Spain married at a later age, which depressed fertility; postponing pregnancy rose the average age of first births and decreased overall fertility in this period (Pérez & Livi-Bacci, 1992).…”

“…The overall economic security of each couple impacts the decision of when to have children and how many to have. Wealth insecurity is a factor in women's decision to have children in Italy (Modena et al, 2014). Higher wealth insecurity indirectly correlates with fertility intentions (Modena et al, 2014).…”

“…Wealth insecurity is a factor in women's decision to have children in Italy (Modena et al, 2014). Higher wealth insecurity indirectly correlates with fertility intentions (Modena et al, 2014). Parents consider the financial expense another child will have on their existing family and the future financial implications.…”

“…Women faced challenges to balancing both employment and childcare. Modena et al (2014) found women without secure employment have lower fertility expectancy. These factors combine to explain why Italy and Spain maintained TFRs below average during this period.…”

“…Since part-time work is difficult to find in other countries, this forces many women to choose between their careers and their families. This conflict ultimately delays childbirth, which, by shortening the window of fertility, also has the effect of lowering the expected fertility rate (Modena et al, 2014). Without a more stable and flexible job market women will continue to grapple with this difficult choice.…”