Michaela Kreyenfeld

Dirk Konietzka

In recent decades, levels of childlessness have been increasing rapidly in most  European countries. German-speaking countries seem to be at the forefront of this  development, as more than 20% of the women living in Germany, Switzerland, and  Austria who are now reaching the end of their reproductive period will remain  childless. But other European countries, such as the UK and Finland, also report  high levels of childlessness. Eastern and Southern Europe did not have high levels  of childlessness a decade ago, but are now seeing steady increases. This book provides  an overview of the recent trend toward a ‚Äúlife without children‚Äù across Europe.  It seeks answers to questions like: What are the determinants of childlessness in the  twenty-first century? Is there an unbroken trend in childlessness, or is there evidence  of trend reversals? How does the likelihood of remaining childless differ  across social strata? To what extent do economic uncertainties affect childlessness?  How do fertility desires evolve over the life course? To what extent does the situation  of a woman‚Äôs partner affect her fertility decisions? How far can we push the  biological limits of fertility? What role can assisted reproduction play in reducing  childlessness? How many men fail to have children of their own? What impact can  family policies have on fertility decisions? Can governments reverse the trend  toward childlessness‚Äîand, if so, should they?

Childlessness in Europe

Michaela Kreyenfeld, Dirk Konietzka

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