Extended Family Influences on Fertility of Adult Children

Federica Querin , University of Bologna
Nicola Barban, University of Bologna
Venla Berg, Population Research Institute, Väestöliitto; and University of Helsinki
Anna Rotkirch, Väestöliitto

Fertility outcomes are correlated within families both across generations (intergenerational transmission of fertility) and within siblings (peer effects). We use a rich representative dataset with up to four generations of linked family members and a causal approach based on the randomness of sex at birth and sex-mix preferences. We test whether extended family influences on adult children fertility differ by family socio-economic status. First, we classify kin networks based on the progenitors’ education and income to test long-lasting sex-based preferences, possibly operating through social pressure. Second, we analyze siblings’ homogamy in education and income to test whether ‘fertility contagion’ across peers is stronger in adult children who share socio-economic characteristics. Preliminary results support the validity of the identification strategy and the presence of sex-mix preferences in the kin network including both own children and nieces/nephews. We expect stronger results for homogamous siblings and in descendants of lower socio-economic status progenitors.

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 Presented in Session 106. The Role of Social Networks and Diffusion in Fertility