Remaining childless: causes and consequences from a life course perspective

摘要: Little is know about childless individuals in the Netherlands, although currently one out of every five Dutch remains childless. Who are they? How did they end up being childless? and to what extent their life outcomes influenced by childlessness? By focusing on individual histories interdependencies between different domains, this study, these questions studied from a course perspective. Using data Netherlands Kinship Panel Study, causes consequences remaining scrutinized for both women men. In general, results dissertation consistent with principle domains. first empirical chapter, childlessness examined. There, evidence found importance considering when trying understand why people Educational, occupational marital pathways shape likelihood Moreover, findings indicate that men have distinctive into childlessness. Educational attainment increases among only. A stable career women, but it entering fatherhood. Years without partner positively associated Not having had partnership multiple partnerships strong determinants childlessness, especially The second chapter examines differences values regarding familial responsibility parents. show exist depending type norms family studied. Childless individuals, most cases only those who opt voluntarily life, weaker sense universal comparison Irrespective parental status, always feel personally responsible own families. Men were need presence children activate significance personal lives. Differences parents attributable selection rather than adaptation. third fourth notion examined parenthood feelings wellbeing. Where previous work often transition social vacuum, takes account co-occurrence other transitions. moderate impact well-being. Insofar effects making emerge, changes status hours. final focuses long-term men’s I extended history as possible explanation fathers. was expected. Many initial fathers history. Nevertheless, differ resident community involvement, level income satisfaction life. nonresident respect