Dyadic fertility decisions in a life course perspective

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Family Studies

Background:

• Previous research on couple fertility decisions shows mixed results regarding partner influence.
• Some studies indicate women's preferences dominate, while others suggest symmetrical influence or a veto power for either partner.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate couple joint decision-making in fertility behavior using a life-course perspective.
• To examine how parity (number of previous births) and life-course stage influence fertility decision dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of couples' decision-making processes regarding fertility.
• Application of a life-course perspective, considering variations in initial conditions due to previous births.
• Examination of parity-specific differences in decision-making and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The decision to have a first child is a joint one, with both partners possessing veto power.
• Women tend to dominate decisions regarding higher-parity births.
• This dominance is attributed to women being disproportionately affected by housework associated with additional children.

Conclusions:

• Couple fertility decision-making is complex and evolves with parity and life-course stage.
• While initial fertility decisions are jointly made, women's influence grows for subsequent births due to practical considerations like housework.