Uncertainty in fertility intentions from a life course perspective: Which life course markers matter?

Authors

  • Anne-Kristin Kuhnt University of Duisburg-Essen
  • Lara Minkus Universität Bremen
  • Petra Buhr Universität Bremen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20377/jfr-426

Keywords:

uncertainty, panel data, multinomial fixed-effects regressions, Germany, fertility intentions

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to extend our knowledge about uncertainty in fertility intentions from a life course perspective. We want to find out if life course markers such as economic circumstances, relationship status, family size, and the so-called “biological clock” (getting older) influence uncertainty in fertility intentions. Uncertainty in fertility intentions is the state in which individuals are not sure whether they will have (more) children.

Background: Determining what drives uncertainty in fertility intentions may lead to a better understanding of fertility decision-making and its outcomes.

Method: We use German panel data (German Family Panel, pairfam) for three birth cohorts (1971-73, 1981-83, 1991-93), and employ multinomial fixed-effects logit models as well as bivariate analyses based on waves 1 to 11.

Results: Uncertainty in fertility intentions is volatile across an individual’s life course, serving as a transitional phase between certainly intending and not intending to have any (more) children. Approaching the end of the reproductive life span (getting older), separating from a partner, having two or more children, and, for men, subjective economic fears increase the odds of being uncertain.

Conclusion: By showing that uncertainty in fertility intentions is a volatile concept and that relevant life course markers shape this volatility, we provide new insights into the process of fertility decision-making.

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Published

2021-04-12

How to Cite

Kuhnt, A.-K., Minkus, L., & Buhr, P. (2021). Uncertainty in fertility intentions from a life course perspective: Which life course markers matter?. Journal of Family Research, 33(1), 184–208. https://doi.org/10.20377/jfr-426

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Articles