Childlessness in the UK

摘要: Levels of childlessness in Britain are higher than many other European countries, with just under one five British women currently reaching age 45 no biological children her own. This chapter provides new insights two ways. First, by combining childbearing data from repeated rounds the General Household Survey and United Kingdom Panel Survey, examines how educational gradient has changed over birth cohorts. Second, investigates a life course perspective among men born 1970 who were followed up within Cohort Study. Focusing on cohort members childless at 30, relationship between fertility intentions expressed 30 achieved 42 is examined. At 42, male female respondents remained invited to give their reasons for remaining childless. Some reported that they did not have “due health reasons”, more responded “did ever want children”, while others said had “not met right partner with”. Only few suggested “had been focused career”. We examine these responses context individuals’ partnership histories, contribute debate question whether “perpetual postponement” later ages acting increase proportion population ultimately remain