Title: Social policy and recent fertility change in Sweden.

POPLINE Document Number: 101268

Author(s):

Hoem JM

Source citation:

In: Demographic and social effects of population policies in Europe, edited by Henry P. David and Daniel Pierotti. Copenhagen, Denmark, World Health Organization [WHO], Regional Office for Europe, 1993. :27-39.

Abstract:

The replacement-level total fertility rate (TFR) for Sweden is 2.09. Fertility in 1990 was 2.13, and in 1991, 2.11. Fertility decline ceased during the late 1970s and started rising in the mid-1980s. The baby boom was not very big. Demographic adjustments in Sweden have been milder than other European countries following similar patterns, but may suggest the trends ahead for these same countries. During the 1980s fertility increased, particularly among women aged 25 years and older, and now among all ages. There was a shift to first child bearing at older ages: from around 24 years for the 1950s and 1960s cohorts to 27 years for the 1959-62 cohorts. The change in age of childbearing for different cohorts is graphically displayed. Strong period effects were in evidence. The evidence suggests that the demographic patterns were affected by low-key and indirect pronatalist social policies. The accomplishment of increasing fertility and increasing work force participation of women is remarkable. Social policies which have encouraged this pattern include expansion of public day care, child benefits, parental leave provisions, parents' right to part-time work, and public campaigns. Women's responses during the late 1960s and early 1970s may have reflected the pioneering role of women changing and reorganizing that constrained fertility. The preference for a two-child family has been stable and cohort fertility is just under 2. Permanent childlessness rates have not increased, and one-child families are not growing in popularity. The Swedish pattern is one of postponement and then accommodation. Maternity leave has been available since 1974 and benefit increases and extensions have improved over time, such that in 1986 the extended benefit leave was 30 months. This allows having two children 2 years apart and, thus, remaining on leave with the employer for about 5 years.

Keywords:

Sweden
Social Policy
Fertility Rate
Fertility Preferences
Changes
Developed Countries
Europe, Northern
Europe
Policy
Birth Rate
Fertility Measurements
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Social Change