Publication
Title
Economic recession and first births in Europe : recession-induced postponement and recuperation of fertility in 14 European countries between 1970 and 2005
Author
Abstract
Objectives The economic crisis that emerged after 2008 caused speculation about further postponement of fertility and a recession-induced baby-bust in countries affected by the economic downturn. This paper aims to disentangle short-term and long-term effects of economic context on entry into parenthood and explores variation of postponement and recuperation by age, gender, educational level and welfare state context. Methods Random-effects complementary loglog models including macro-level indicators are used to analyse longitudinal microdata on 12,121 first births to 20,736 individuals observed between 1970 and 2005. Results Adverse economic conditions and high unemployment significantly reduce first birth hazards among men and women below age 30, particularly among the higher educated. After age 30 economic context continues to affect first birth hazards of men, but not for women. Recuperation of fertility is further associated with access to labour markets and entry into cohabiting unions. Conclusions The continuing postponement of first births has clear medical consequences and implications for health policies. Preventive policies should take access to labour markets for younger generations into account as an important factor driving postponement.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of public health. - Berlin, 2007, currens
Publication
Berlin : 2013
ISSN
1661-8556 [print]
1661-8564 [online]
DOI
10.1007/S00038-012-0390-9
Volume/pages
58 :1 (2013) , p. 43-55
ISI
000314183600006
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Socio-economic patterns of fertility & family formation in Europe: How are they related to policies and the economic context?
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 04.09.2012
Last edited 09.10.2023
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