Economic Determinants of the Natural Fertility Rate with Special Focus on the EU and on Hungary

Pintér, Tibor (2019) Economic Determinants of the Natural Fertility Rate with Special Focus on the EU and on Hungary. POLGÁRI SZEMLE: GAZDASÁGI ÉS TÁRSADALMI FOLYÓIRAT, 15 (Spec). pp. 301-316. ISSN 1786-6553

Preview

Text PSZ 2020. angol.szam_beliv_17.pdf Download (413kB) | Preview

Abstract

The natural fertility rate directly expresses the reproductive capabilities of a country. Typically, the value of this indicator is considerably lower in the economically developed part of the world than in less developed countries. However, in terms of fertility rates, developed countries are not completely homogenous either, at least in an analysis of changes in time series. Through the example of various EU Member States, this study aims to pick the economic and policy factors that may trigger improvement in the fertility rate. Apart from a few countries, it is a common problem in the surveyed states that population growth is insufficient for ensuring reproduction. Paradoxically, population decline and ageing is a problem in those countries and regions of the world where the material, economic and welfare conditions are the most favourable. It is also important to demonstrate globally detectable correlations between fertility rates and the standard of living. The aim of this study is to highlight the specific social and economic indicators with the most beneficial and most adverse impacts on developments in fertility rates. An important finding of the study is that having children is essentially not an economic, much rather a cultural matter that is closely related to the concept of responsibility, and in addition, economic stability or a balanced income distribution may increase the fertility rate. Overall, decrease in the intensity of childbearing can be considered as a legitimate concomitant of societies with advanced economies. In the study references are made to other variables that may shift the unfavourable demographic trends in a more favourable direction in the developed world.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item