Uncertainty in fertility intentions from a life course perspective: Which life course markers matter?

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to extend our knowledge about uncertainty in fertility intentions from a life course perspective. We want to find out if life course markers such as economic circumstances, relationship status, family size, and the so-called "biological clock" (getting older) influence uncertainty in fertility intentions. Uncertainty in fertility intentions is the state in which individuals are not sure whether they will have (more) children. Background: Determining what drives uncertainty in fertility intentions may lead to a better understanding of fertility decision-making and its outcomes. Method: We use German panel data (German Family Panel, pairfam) for three birth cohorts (1971-73, 1981-83, 1991-93), and employ multinomial fixed-effects logit models as well as bivariate analyses based on waves 1 to 11. Results: Uncertainty in fertility intentions is volatile across an individual's life course, serving as a transitional phase between certainly intending an

Object Details

• Alternative title: Unsicherheit in den Fertilitätsintentionen aus der Perspektive des Lebenslaufs: Welche biografischen Ereignisse sind relevant?
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Veröffentlichungsversion ; begutachtet (peer reviewed) ; In: JFR - Journal of Family Research ; 33 (2021) 1 ; 184-207

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Mannheim
• (who): SSOAR, GESIS – Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften e.V.
• (when): 2021
• Creator: Kuhnt, Anne-Kristin ; Minkus, Lara ; Buhr, Petra

Further information

• DOI: 10.20377/jfr-426
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022090813094130530073
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:31 AM CEST