Illegitimacy in Sweden and Australia: 1911-1974

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• Illegitimacy rates have long been of interest due to their consequences.
• Little is known about the social, economic, demographic, and cultural factors influencing temporal variations in illegitimacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine trends and levels of illegitimacy in Sweden and Australia over a sixty-year period.
• To assess the impact of social, economic, demographic, and cultural factors on illegitimacy rates.
• To explore how cultural differences between Sweden and Australia explain variations in illegitimacy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized annual time series data for Sweden and Australia from 1911 onwards.
• Analyzed the longest available time series data for illegitimate births and bridal pregnancies.
• Conducted statistical analyses to compare trends and causes of illegitimacy between the two nations.

Main Results:

• Identified significant temporal variations in illegitimacy rates in both countries.
• Assessed the influence of specific economic, demographic, and social factors on illegitimacy trends.
• Highlighted the role of cultural differences in explaining disparities in illegitimacy levels between Sweden and Australia.

Conclusions:

• Cultural factors are key determinants of differences in illegitimacy rates between nations.
• Socioeconomic and demographic variables contribute to fluctuations in illegitimacy over time.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of factors affecting illegitimacy.