How does the decision to have a child vary across countries, and what differences between countries might explain observed differences in decision making? In this paper, we use a social psychological model of influences on human behaviour, the theory of planned behavior (TPB), to compare the influence of attitudes, perceived norms and perceived control on intention to have their second child among 25 to 34 year old females in eight countries. We find country-level differences in beliefs about the consequences of having another child, about the expectations of normative referents, and about ability to have or care for another child. A macro-level exploration shows that cross-country differences reflect differences in family- and child-friendly policy more than differences in national wealth or employment stability.
Social psychological influences on fertility intentions across eight countries
KLOBAS, JANE;BILLARI, FRANCESCO CANDELORO;
2010
Abstract
How does the decision to have a child vary across countries, and what differences between countries might explain observed differences in decision making? In this paper, we use a social psychological model of influences on human behaviour, the theory of planned behavior (TPB), to compare the influence of attitudes, perceived norms and perceived control on intention to have their second child among 25 to 34 year old females in eight countries. We find country-level differences in beliefs about the consequences of having another child, about the expectations of normative referents, and about ability to have or care for another child. A macro-level exploration shows that cross-country differences reflect differences in family- and child-friendly policy more than differences in national wealth or employment stability.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.