The Effects of Fertility Intentions on Short and Long Distance Moves

The aim of this paper is to shed more light on the association between fertility and the relocation of the household. We address the question of how fertility intentions affect the probability of couples to move over short or long distances. We add to the literature on two grounds. Theoretically, following a life-course approach we discuss a model underpinning the assumption that behavioral intentions in one life domain (fertility) impact manifest behavior in another dimension of the life course (spatial mobility). Empirically we offer novel evidence on how residential mobility is used as a tool to accomplish fertility goals supporting an understanding of residential mobility as a byproduct of fertility decisions.
We use data from the German Family Panel (pairfam) with rich longitudinal information on fertility intentions and realization as well as spatial mobility and spatial aspects of living arrangements of couples. Preliminary results confirm that fertility intentions have effects on the probability of short or long distance moves depending on whether the couple intent to have a first or an additional child.