Fertility preferences: what measuring second choices teaches us

TY - JOUR

T1 - Fertility preferences: what measuring second choices teaches us

AU - Hin, S.

AU - Gauthier, A.H.

AU - Goldstein, J.

AU - Buchler, C.

N1 - Reporting year: 2011

PY - 2011

Y1 - 2011

N2 - This article aims to strengthen the research methodology for studies of fertility preferences. Knowledge of personal fertility ideals is important both for demographers and policy makers, but the measurement techniques currently employed are not very refined. We suggest that the information provided by asking people about their personal ideal number of offspring can be improved in quality when asking them to also consider alternative preferences. The results of a survey conducted in the Netherlands demonstrate how measuring second (and, if desired, further) choices improves our ability to differentiate between different population subgroups. Moreover, it brings to light individuals’ openness to their ‘second best ideals’. Including questions on alternative ideals in surveys thus enhances the qualitative potential of studies on fertility ideals and adds a new dimension to research on the how and why of fertility gaps between desired and achieved fertility.

AB - This article aims to strengthen the research methodology for studies of fertility preferences. Knowledge of personal fertility ideals is important both for demographers and policy makers, but the measurement techniques currently employed are not very refined. We suggest that the information provided by asking people about their personal ideal number of offspring can be improved in quality when asking them to also consider alternative preferences. The results of a survey conducted in the Netherlands demonstrate how measuring second (and, if desired, further) choices improves our ability to differentiate between different population subgroups. Moreover, it brings to light individuals’ openness to their ‘second best ideals’. Including questions on alternative ideals in surveys thus enhances the qualitative potential of studies on fertility ideals and adds a new dimension to research on the how and why of fertility gaps between desired and achieved fertility.

U2 - 10.1553/populationyearbook2011s131

DO - 10.1553/populationyearbook2011s131

M3 - Article

SN - 1728-4414

VL - 2011

SP - 135

EP - 162

JO - Vienna Yearbook of Population Research

JF - Vienna Yearbook of Population Research

IS - 9

ER -