Birth cohort changes in fertility ideals: evidence from repeated cross-sectional surveys in Finland

Abstract Fertility has declined in developed countries but whether there is a similar pattern the number of children individuals wish to have (henceforth an ideal children) remains unclear. Using repeated cross-sectional survey data from Finnish Family Barometers, we examine birth cohort changes among men and women five cohorts (1970–1974, 1975–1979, 1980–1984, 1985–1989, 1990–1994). We also investigate associations between socioeconomic factors differ across cohorts, are any gender differences these associations. find that lower more recent than earlier this shift driven by substantially higher child-free ideals cohorts. While associated with factors, remain significant after controlling for characteristics. These findings suggest large not due individual circumstances Rather, it appears childbearing attitudes Finns changed may contributed fertility decline.