Culture, Institutions and Contemporary Fertility Dynamics in Europe

Arnstein Aassve , Bocconi University
Pierluigi Conzo
Letizia Mencarini, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
Francesca Luppi, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

In this paper, we investigate the role of culture as a co-determinant of European contemporary fertility dynamics. The focus is put on generalized morality, a cultural trait conceptualized and measured through the values of respect, obedience, generalized trust and control. This cultural trait correlates with institutional quality and other factors that are known to play a role for fertility. We focus on the period between 1990 and 2014, when fertility experienced diverging trends and was affected by the Great Recession. Using Eurostat and OECD macro data for 177 regions in 23 European countries, moderation analysis provides evidence that values of generalized morality affect fertility through educational expansion, child-care services and perceived uncertainty.

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 Presented in Session 116. The Role of Culture for Childbearing