Does Money Matter for Fertility Intentions, Plans and Behaviors? Lessons from the Great Recession

Karina M. Shreffler, Oklahoma State University
Arthur Greil, Alfred University
Julia McQuillan, University of Nebraska at Lincoln

Both the overall number of births and the birth rate in the U.S. have fallen in recent years due, in part, to the recent economic downtown. In this study, we use panel data from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers (NSFB) and change score models to explore how changes in economic conditions before and during the recent recession at the individual and household level impact fertility behaviors, intentions, personal ideal number of children, and importance of parenthood. Findings suggest that while changes in individual or family economic circumstances do not impact overall fertility intentions or preferred number of children for oneself, they have an impact on fertility behaviors and importance of parenthood. Thus, the current birth rate declines may reflect postponement more than changing preferences, although the realization of fertility intentions and desired number of children may depend on future economic improvements for women and their partners.