Childbearing trends in Iceland, 1982-2013: Fertility timing, quantum, and gender preferences for children in a Nordic context

• Main Author: Ari Klængur Jónsson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research 2017-07-01
• Series: Demographic Research
• Subjects: childbearing; childbearing trends; gender preferences for children; Iceland; Nordic fertility regime; parity progression; standardized birth rates
• Online Access: https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol37/7/

<b>Background</b>: Iceland is one of the most gender-equal countries in the world, but one that does not seem to have experienced the same fertility fluctuations as most other countries, following the enhanced role of women in society. <b>Objective</b>: In this study we examine the childbearing trends in Iceland during 1982-2013 by analysing the progressions to parities one, two, and three. We also investigate whether there is evidence of gender preferences for children among Icelandic parents. <b>Methods</b>: Official individual longitudinal register data is used, covering the total female population born in Iceland between 1941 and 1997. The data is analysed by means of event history analysis. <b>Results</b>: We find evidence of tendencies to postpone motherhood during the period, with increases in fertility for women in their 30s and 40s. The propensity to have a second and a third child has not declined; on the contrary, these birth intensities have increased since the mid-1980s. Estimates suggest that Icelandic parents prefer to have daughters. <b>Conclusions</b>: During a period of increased educational attainment and postponed family formation, the resilience of Icelandic fertility is intriguing. <b>Contribution</b>: The study provides the first comprehensive overview of fertility trends in Iceland.