Childlessness Intentions and Ideals in Europe
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Level 4 by design analogy; repeated cross-sectional survey analysis (Eurobarometer).
OpenAlex W1822996113 · doi:10.23979/fypr.48419
What was done
Analyzed repeated cross-sectional survey data from Eurobarometer Surveys (2001–2011) across Europe to assess trends and correlates of childlessness among currently childless young adults aged 18 to 40 years. The study separated childlessness as a personal ideal (ideal family size of zero) from intended childlessness (planning to have no children).
What was found
Childlessness as a personal ideal was relatively rare across Europe, though more common among young adults in certain western European countries. Intentional childlessness was more prevalent, with approximately 11% of childless young adults intending to remain childless. Lower socioeconomic position, including unemployment and lower socioeconomic status, was linked to higher childlessness intentions. Macroeconomic conditions showed no direct impact on intentional childlessness, but higher prevalence of traditional family values in a country was associated with a lower likelihood of viewing childlessness as ideal.
Why it matters
It distinguishes stated preferences from practical intentions, showing that intended childlessness often reflects individual socioeconomic vulnerability rather than an intrinsic preference.
Limits
The abstract reports no total sample size, statistical test values, or confidence intervals. The cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, and fertility intentions may diverge from completed lifetime fertility.
Cited by
- supports Approximately 90% of people at some point in life either have or want to have children.