Swedish men’s fertility intentions and behaviors

This study examines three aspects of men’s reproduction – reproductive attitudes, fertility intentions, and fertility outcomes. We seek to contribute to research that so far mainly addressed low levels of fertility by focusing on women’s employment and delayed childbearing. Sweden provides a unique context because of its explicit policies aimed at promoting gender equality in both work and family realms. We will seek to address the role of career goals, leisure goals, and gender role attitudes on Swedish men’s fertility intentions and behavior. We use longitudinal data from the Swedish Young Adult Panel Study (YAPS). Our results indicate that young Swedish men think sufficient income, suitable housing, and a good partner are important in planning for children. Yet these preconditions, except for having a suitable partner, are seen to be fulfilled for only a minority of men. These perceived economic conditions have an impact of fertility intentions as those with sufficient income and suitable housing are less likely to intend to delay having children than their less well-off counterparts. Next we will examine the impact of these factors on fertility outcomes, and also address the role of career and leisure goals explicitly.