Geographical variations in the likelihood and timing of having children in Britain

Abstract

Geographical variations in fertility rates have been noted within several European countries, including Britain. Lower rates of those having children are seen in the centres of large cities, while there are pockets of relatively high fertility in the surrounding peri-urban fringes. Some, but not all, of this variation can be explained by the composition of the population living in particular areas. So what other factors are at play? The research summarised here argues that local variations in fertility rates will influence an individual’s fertility behaviour through social learning, resulting in local ‘cultures’ of fertility. Findings suggest that individual reproductive life paths respond to a variety of social influences: networks of family and friends, local socio-cultural influences and more widely-shared ideas about the spacing between births. These influences vary depending on the number of children a woman already has but tend to reinforce local geographical variations in fertility rates.

More information

Identifiers

Catalogue record

Export record