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New Article in “Comparative Population Studies” • 05.02.2019Do Cultural Conceptions of Families Make the Difference?
Fertility levels differ significantly between Germany and France. However, differences in fertility developments between eastern and western Germany are apparent as well. How can we explain these differences? The article addresses this question using the concept of cultural conceptions (‘Leitbilder’) of families.
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Based on the survey Familienleitbilder in Deutschland conducted by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) and the French survey Situation de couple, intentions de fecondité et opinions sur la famille, cultural conceptions of the acceptance of childlessness and of large families are identified. Additionally, the relationship between marriage and parenthood and the significance of financial security for parents in both countries are included in the analysis.
Parenthood is More Common in France
Findings confirm cultural differences in fertility, not only in Germany and France but, to a lesser extent, also in eastern and western Germany. Besides other relevant aspects, the main differences between Germany and France are rooted in the respective attitudes towards parenthood, as co-author Kerstin Ruckdeschel (BiB) emphasises:
“At some point, young people in Germany ask themselves whether they want to have children and very often they decide to do so. In most cases, they want to have two children but childlessness or having only one child is also accepted. On the other hand, families with three or more children are more likely to be socially discriminated against. In France, the situation is different; parenthood is still more natural and the question whether or not to have children does not arise.”
According to the sociologist, there is rather a lack of understanding for childlessness in the French society. In fact, the norm is closer to having two or more children.
Cultural Conceptions Are an Important Analysis Tool
In conclusion, the results of the study confirm the importance of the concept of cultural conceptions for fertility intentions and the relevance of cultural dimensions for the analysis of fertility decision-making processes in Germany and France.
Ruckdeschel, Kerstin; Salles, Anne; Diabaté, Sabine; Toulemon, Laurent; Régnier-Loilier, Arnaud (2018): Unequal Neighbours? A French-German Comparison of Family Size Intentions. Comparative Population Studies 43: 187–210.