Alternative approaches to fertility transition

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Sociology
• European Studies

Background:

• The first demographic transition is linked to modernization, secularization, and rationalization.
• Italy's post-war "economic boom" period exemplified these changes.
• Existing theories may not fully capture the drivers of later demographic shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To interpret and test Lesthaeghe's theoretical framework of demographic transition.
• To analyze the specific case of demographic anomalies in Italy.
• To differentiate the driving forces of the first and second demographic transitions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of demographic anomalies within the Italian context.
• Interpretation of Lesthaeghe's theoretical model.
• Comparative analysis of historical periods and societal changes in Italy.

Main Results:

• Changes during Italy's economic boom align with the first demographic transition (modernization, secularization).
• The second demographic transition in Italy is characterized by individual emancipation.
• This emancipation involves shedding societal barriers related to class, gender, and age.

Conclusions:

• Lesthaeghe's second demographic transition framework is supported by the Italian case.
• The drivers of the second transition are distinct from the first, emphasizing individual autonomy.
• Societal shifts in the second phase are rooted in emancipatory values, not solely modernization.