Uncertainty in fertility intentions from a life course perspective: Which life course markers matter?

Objective: The aim of this study is to extend our knowledge about uncertainty in fertility intentions from a life course perspective. We want find out if markers such as economic circumstances, relationship status, family size, and the so-called “biological clock” (getting older) influence intentions. Uncertainty state which individuals are not sure whether they will have (more) children.
 Background: Determining what drives may lead better understanding decision-making its outcomes.
 Method: use German panel data (German Family Panel, pairfam) for three birth cohorts (1971-73, 1981-83, 1991-93), employ multinomial fixed-effects logit models well bivariate analyses based on waves 1 11.
 Results: volatile across an individual’s course, serving transitional phase between certainly intending any children. Approaching end reproductive span older), separating partner, having two or more children, and, men, subjective fears increase odds being uncertain.
 Conclusion: By showing that concept relevant shape volatility, we provide new insights into process decision-making.