Childbearing choices in contemporary world

psychology

intermediate

PS_W02

PS_W03

PS_K03

None

In all developed countries, a decline in number of births and an increase in permanent childlessness have been observed for several decades. The course offers an interdisciplinary perspective on this phenomenon. Psychological theories explaining reproductive decisions will be discussed, as well as the results of research that analyses the factors important for these decisions.

The lectures will discuss the main factors important for the motivation to have children and for reproductive decision-making. In contemporary world, we observe demographic trends related to fertility postponement, declining numbers of children within families and increasing childlessness. These trends stem from individual choices of women and men, entering adulthood. In the lectures, we will discuss theoretical models most commonly used to explain childbearing motivations and to describe the reproductive decision-making process. We will discuss the role of biological, psychological, economic and cultural factors in this process.

The below list covers basic introductory reading on key theoretical models. Additional reading will be suggested over the semester. During the course, Students will be asked to perform their own literature searches on different aspects of childbearing choices.

• Hoffman, L. W., & Hoffman, M. L. (1973). The Value of Children to Parents. In J. T. Fawcett (Ed.), Psychological Perspectives on Population (pp. 19-76). New York: Basic Books.

• Miller, W. B. (1994). Childbearing motivations, desires, and intentions: a theoretical framework. Genet Soc Gen Psychol Monogr, 120(2), 223-258.

• Miller, W. B. (2011). Differences between fertility desires and intentions: implications for theory, research and policy. Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, 9, 75-98.

• Klobas, J. E., & Ajzen, I. (2015). Making the Decision to Have a Child. In D. Philipov, A. C. Liefbroer, & J. E. Klobas (Eds.), Reproductive Decision-Making in a Macro-Micro Perspective (pp. 41-78). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

• Frejka, T., Sobotka, T., Hoem, J. M., & Toulemon, L. (2008). Summary and general conclusions: Childbearing Trends and Policies in Europe. Demographic Research, 19, 5-14, doi:10.4054/DemRes.2008.19.2.

• McAllister, L. S., Pepper, G. V., Virgo, S., & Coall, D. A. (2016). The evolved psychological mechanisms of fertility motivation: hunting for causation in a sea of correlation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 371(1692), doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0151.

After completing the course, students will understand the mechanism of decision-making related to having children and will know the role of various factors (biological, psychological, economic, cultural) in this process (PS_W02). Students will expand their knowledge of the methods of analysis and interpretation of the discussed decision-making processes (PS_W03). Students will also develop their competences related to independent search for information and self-studying (PS_K03),

Students' workload:

Participation in the lectures - 30 hours

Readings - 60 hours

Self-study (literature search, preparation of presentation) - 60 hours

Preparation for the exam - 30 hours

(180 hours / 30 = 6 ECTS)

The final grades are based on the written exam (test), in which Students need to score at least 60% of the points.

The grade can be improved through active participation in classes (including, for those interested, by preparing a short presentation).