Is Two Still Best? Change in Parity-Specific Fertility Across Education in Low-Fertility Countries

Abstract The dominance of two-child families is considered an intrinsic characteristic low fertility societies. Their share was continuously increasing among baby boom cohorts but the rise ceased afterwards. While parity- and education-specific trends during expansion have been studied, corresponding analyses developments in post-expansion birth are scarce. This study investigates parity-specific that ended across educational groups. We use data on completed female born between 1936 1970 16 low-fertility countries. Besides examining education- fertility, we provide evidence variation family size contribution to two child women with low, medium high education. Our results show stopped as increased: transition rates first and/or second declined whereas those third increased. polarisation process strongest Apparently, number progressing declined, they became more selected family-oriented, thus likely progress further births. fact observed educated reflects group’s selectivity. demonstrate rising a common development most high-income populations, especially educated, regardless substantial cross-country differences levels well institutional, economic cultural settings.