[2016] Gender-role Expectations and Fertility Rates in EU Member States
Gender-role Expectations and Fertility Rates in EU Member States
The author uses data from the European Values Study 2008 to investigate possible links between gender-related attitudes and fertility rates in EU member states. Countries with higher income levels and female employment rates were found to have higher fertility rates, and countries with higher fertility rates tended to have higher percentages of live births outside of marriage, suggesting a significant change in traditional family structure. A positive correlation between gender equity and reduced traditional gender role expectations was observed in wealthier countries, which also had greater female labor force participation and higher fertility rates. In wealthy Western societies, couples no longer have children for purposes of extending family lines or providing support in old age. For many women, children and careers now go hand-in-hand.