The Gender Role of the Government: Some Explanations of the Family Crisis

38 Pages Posted: 21 Mar 2013 Last revised: 25 Apr 2016

See all articles by Konstantin Yanovskiy

Konstantin Yanovskiy

Shomron Center for Economic Policy Research

Daniel Shestakov

National Research University Higher School of Economics (Moscow)

Date Written: December 19, 2014

Abstract

Government interventions into the traditional functioning of the family became an important factor in the recent family crisis in developed countries (fewer marriages, more divorces, and lower birth rate). This hypothesis has been tested statistically for the period from 1800 to 2010 with data from 17 established democracies.

We show that mandatory pension insurance might contribute to the reduction in fertility, with a lag of 40 years. Legislation encouraging a high level of female employment and mandating no-fault divorce rules is tested as an additional factor contributing to the divorce rate hike and birth rate fall. In addition, the concept of "the best interests of the child" encourages children to challenge parents' authority; the latter reduces "demand" for children (and birthrate) even further.

The reason behind this effect is the rise of the welfare state, crowding out male and parental responsibilities.

Keywords: Family, Family crisis, birthrate, divorce rate, mandatory pension insurance, best interest of the child, women, universal suffrage

JEL Classification: D72, J71, K36, N40

Suggested Citation

Yanovskiy, Konstantin (Moshe) and Shestakov, Daniel, The Gender Role of the Government: Some Explanations of the Family Crisis (December 19, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2236328 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2236328

Konstantin (Moshe) Yanovskiy (Contact Author)

Shomron Center for Economic Policy Research ( email )

Kley Shir 8
Karney Shomron, 44855

Daniel Shestakov

National Research University Higher School of Economics (Moscow) ( email )

Myasnitskaya street, 20
Moscow, Moscow 119017
Russia

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