Low‐fertility childbearing decision making

Abstract

It is often assumed that childbearing decisions involve conscious consideration of alternatives. This study was an investigation of whether community‐college enrollees (N = 419) aged 18 to 36 years old had thought about the low fertility options of having no or one child. Only half had considered one or both options. Selected characteristics of the decision making process were also examined. Discriminant analysis showed that the variables contributing significantly to distinguishing among the options‐considered groups included the degree of consciousness about making childbearing decisions in general, religiosity, and the importance of three variables that measured the values and cost of children: new experiences that children can provide, generalized costs of children, and achievement of a role identity through parenthood. Outcomes associated with the low‐fertility options considered were also studied.