Influence of Gender Equality and Son Preference on Fertility Intentions of Dual-Earner Couples in Taiwan

• In Event: 2266 - Family Section Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 10. Gender Equality, Women's Education, and Family in China and Taiwan

Abstract

Fertility rates have drastically decreased in Taiwan over the past three decades. This research analyzes whether gender equality and son preference affect fertility intentions of dual-earner couples. Using data from the 2012 Panel Study of Family Dynamics, age and number of children were found to be the two factors affecting the fertility intentions of the working men and women. The greatest differences between the men and women in terms of determinants of fertility intention are regarding gender division of household labor, son preference, and the wife’s education level. A woman performing a larger share of household labor is associated with the woman’s significantly lower fertility intention. This suggests that an equal division of household labor between husband and wife is crucial for the working women in Taiwan. Parents’ pressure to have a grandson significantly increases women’s fertility intentions. The men’s fertility intentions, however, are more associated with their wives’ education levels.

Author

• Pi-chun Hsu, Chinese Culture University