The Theory of Planned Behaviour: considering drives, proximity and dynamics.

Today, in part because of the work done by Ajzen, Fishbein and their colleagues, the core of their theory seems obvious individuals are more likely to perform the behaviours that they feel positive toward and intend to perform. Many models of behaviour share the assumption that behaviour results from a reasoned process, where individuals consider their options, evaluate the consequences and make decisions about how to act. Clearly, as the evidence presented by Morgan and Bachrach in this volume (Morgan and Bachrach 2011) attests, the Theory of Planned Behaviour is the most widely used social science framework of this type (Fishbein and Ajzen 1975). Born as the „Theory of Reasoned Action“, it was reformulated as the „Theory of Planned Behaviour“ (TPB), specifically in order to account for some of the reasons why individuals may not behave as they intend. However, the core of the theory remains the same general attitudes, beliefs and preferences related to a behaviour predict intentions, and intentions predict behaviour. Demographic theories of fertility decline draw on similar concepts for example, Lesthaeghe’s „Ready, Willing, and Able“ (Lesthaeghe and Vanderhoeft 2001; Lesthaeghe and Wilson 1986) and Ansley Coale's „Three Conditions for Fertility Decline“ (Coale 1972). No doubt due to its popularity, many other extensions to the TPB have been suggested (e.g. Barber 2001; Bagozzi and Warshaw 1990; Fazio 1986; Liska 1984; Wright 1998). There is no doubt that a substantial fraction of births results from just such a process a couple decide they want a baby, form the intention to behave accordingly, become pregnant and give birth. However, behaviours that are not goal-oriented or do not result from such a reasoned process are also common, even within the realm of childbearing. Unintended childbearing, by definition, does not fulfil individuals’ or couples’ goals of delaying or avoiding childbearing. In the United States, estimates suggest that approximately one-half of all pregnancies may not be the result of a reasoned process. Conversely, in many European countries, women or couples report the desire or intention to have a baby but do not act on those intentions. The critique of the TPB as being too ‘logical’ or ‘rational’ is common. The authors eloquently argue, in their new book (Fishbein and Ajzen 2010) as well as