Manchester University Press
11 Summary and discussion
Abstract
Chapter 11 summarises and integrates the key findings from the previous chapters. The results are discussed in light of the significant changes in demographic behaviour, notably later age at marriage and first birth, decreasing fertility and the increase in the proportion of single people in the population. The increasing education of women and their greater role in the labour force is leading to postponement of couple formation and childbearing. In addition the increasing value placed on autonomy, freedom and independence is also contributing to changes in family formation. This delay has little effect on men, but disproportionately affects women, who are caught between their biological clocks and their wish to continue actively in the labour market. This is exacerbated by the high cost of childcare and the lack of flexible working arrangements. As a result, young men and women who want to start families, while at the same time fulfilling their own needs for autonomy and development, are facing dilemmas. A price is being paid in terms of the lesser well-being of single people, relative to married and cohabiting people, and older, well-educated women are particularly affected. The results are discussed in relation to the international literature and implications for social policy are put forward.
Abstract
Chapter 11 summarises and integrates the key findings from the previous chapters. The results are discussed in light of the significant changes in demographic behaviour, notably later age at marriage and first birth, decreasing fertility and the increase in the proportion of single people in the population. The increasing education of women and their greater role in the labour force is leading to postponement of couple formation and childbearing. In addition the increasing value placed on autonomy, freedom and independence is also contributing to changes in family formation. This delay has little effect on men, but disproportionately affects women, who are caught between their biological clocks and their wish to continue actively in the labour market. This is exacerbated by the high cost of childcare and the lack of flexible working arrangements. As a result, young men and women who want to start families, while at the same time fulfilling their own needs for autonomy and development, are facing dilemmas. A price is being paid in terms of the lesser well-being of single people, relative to married and cohabiting people, and older, well-educated women are particularly affected. The results are discussed in relation to the international literature and implications for social policy are put forward.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i 1
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- List of tables ix
- Series editor’s foreword xii
- Acknowledgements xiv
- 1 Changing gender roles and family formation 1
- 2 Method 29
- 3 Attitudes to gender roles 36
- 4 Family formation 61
- 5 Attitudes to having children and childlessness 95
- 6 People’s priorities and values 114
- 7 Attitudes to social policies relevant to family formation 125
- 8 Predictors of family status 138
- 9 Predictors of ideal and expected family size 152
- 10 The effect of family status on well-being 161
- 11 Summary and discussion 177
- Appendix 200
- References 207
- Index 219
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i 1
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- List of tables ix
- Series editor’s foreword xii
- Acknowledgements xiv
- 1 Changing gender roles and family formation 1
- 2 Method 29
- 3 Attitudes to gender roles 36
- 4 Family formation 61
- 5 Attitudes to having children and childlessness 95
- 6 People’s priorities and values 114
- 7 Attitudes to social policies relevant to family formation 125
- 8 Predictors of family status 138
- 9 Predictors of ideal and expected family size 152
- 10 The effect of family status on well-being 161
- 11 Summary and discussion 177
- Appendix 200
- References 207
- Index 219
