Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 131-156 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | Vienna Yearbook of Population Research |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Abstract
This article aims to strengthen the research methodology for studies of fertility preferences. Knowledge of personal fertility ideals is important both for demographers and policy makers, but the measurement techniques currently employed are not very refined. We suggest that the information provided by asking people about their personal ideal number of offspring can be improved in quality when asking them to also consider alternative preferences. The results of a survey conducted in the Netherlands demonstrate how measuring second (and, if desired, further) choices improves our ability to differentiate between different population subgroups. Moreover, it brings to light individuals' openness to their 'second best ideals'. Including questions on alternative ideals in surveys thus enhances the qualitative potential of studies on fertility ideals and adds a new dimension to research on the how and why of fertility gaps between desired and achieved fertility.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Demography
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In: Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, No. 1, 2011, p. 131-156.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Fertility preferences
T2 - What measuring second choices teaches us
AU - Hin, Saskia
AU - Gauthier, Anne
AU - Goldstein, Joshua
AU - Bühler, Christoph
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - This article aims to strengthen the research methodology for studies of fertility preferences. Knowledge of personal fertility ideals is important both for demographers and policy makers, but the measurement techniques currently employed are not very refined. We suggest that the information provided by asking people about their personal ideal number of offspring can be improved in quality when asking them to also consider alternative preferences. The results of a survey conducted in the Netherlands demonstrate how measuring second (and, if desired, further) choices improves our ability to differentiate between different population subgroups. Moreover, it brings to light individuals' openness to their 'second best ideals'. Including questions on alternative ideals in surveys thus enhances the qualitative potential of studies on fertility ideals and adds a new dimension to research on the how and why of fertility gaps between desired and achieved fertility.
AB - This article aims to strengthen the research methodology for studies of fertility preferences. Knowledge of personal fertility ideals is important both for demographers and policy makers, but the measurement techniques currently employed are not very refined. We suggest that the information provided by asking people about their personal ideal number of offspring can be improved in quality when asking them to also consider alternative preferences. The results of a survey conducted in the Netherlands demonstrate how measuring second (and, if desired, further) choices improves our ability to differentiate between different population subgroups. Moreover, it brings to light individuals' openness to their 'second best ideals'. Including questions on alternative ideals in surveys thus enhances the qualitative potential of studies on fertility ideals and adds a new dimension to research on the how and why of fertility gaps between desired and achieved fertility.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84865855751&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1553/populationyearbook2011s131
DO - 10.1553/populationyearbook2011s131
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84865855751
SP - 131
EP - 156
JO - Vienna Yearbook of Population Research
JF - Vienna Yearbook of Population Research
SN - 1728-4414
IS - 1
ER -