Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.3935/rsp.v6i3.281
A Desire for Children and the Decision not to have Children: Determinants, Correlations and Possibilities for Social Interventions
Josip Obradović
; Odsjek za sociologiju, Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Mira Čudina-Obradović
; Učiteljska akademija Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
In this paper, the authors analyse and juxtapose the results of demographic, sociological and socio-psychological research of fertility motivation and behaviour with an aim to define the concepts and characteristics of some aspects of fertility behaviour and to determine the causes of reduced fertility in the economically developed countries of the West. Particular importance is given to the decision on bearing a child as a complex process of weighing and measuring investment and the satisfaction of personal values and adjustments against general social values. The changes in the social and individual values of the child and parents in modern countries are analysed and it is found that a positive attitude toward fertility cannot be achieved in traditional and patriarchal forms of marriage. The authors propose promotion and socialisation aimed at an egalitarian model of marriage, in which equality of powers, burdens and individual autonomies will be developed, taking into consideration the general values of a child, of the marriage union and of common material and emotional benefits.
Keywords
fertility behaviour; fertility motivation; fertility socialisation; parenthood; motherhood; fatherhood
Hrčak ID:
29989
URI
Publication date:
1.3.1999.
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