Economic Insecurity and Fertility Intentions: The Case of Italy

Abstract

Starting from the assumption that economic insecurity is a key factor behind childbearing decisions, we empirically assess how fertility intentions are affected by job instability, which may severely compromise the employment status of workers, and economic disadvantages in terms of household income and wealth. We show that the instability of women’s work status (i.e. the holding of occasional and precarious jobs) significantly postpones maternity decisions for medium/high level income households; the chances of further childbirth are significantly and negatively affected by household income insecurity. Finally, low levels of household wealth influence the decision of having a first child.

Keywords: economic insecurity, income, wealth, fertility, childbearing, employment instability, precarious employment, Italy

JEL Classification: C25, J13