David Demos
The study, “Do I want more if you help me? The impact of grandparental involvement on men’s and women’s fertility intentions“, dives into the impact of grandparental support on fertility intentions in Spain, focusing on gender disparities, socio-economic factors, and the transitions between different parties. The researchers got dirty with statistical analyses, crunching data from the 2018 Spanish Fertility Survey (SFS) to determine how grandparental support influences the likelihood of men and women intending to have another child.
What they found: Grandparental support is a game-changer for women’s fertility intentions, but it barely moves the needle for men. The connection between grandparental support and fertility intentions is particularly strong for highly educated women, those who often juggle heavier work-family conflicts. It’s like a turbo boost, pushing these women to hit the gas on their decision to have another child pronto. But hey, don’t expect the same impact on men’s fertility intentions – they seem to be unfazed by grandparental support.
What are they saying: This study reveals that grandparental support works wonders for women’s baby-making plans in Spain. Especially for highly educated women, who face a lot of juggling between work and family, grandparental support comes in like a superhero sidekick, spurring them to make up their minds and have another kid. But don’t hold your breath for men – they seem to be sailing smoothly on their own path, unaffected by grandparental support.
But wait, there’s more: The study also highlights the importance of understanding the whole picture regarding childcare. Formal public childcare and grandparental support play tag-team in shaping fertility intentions and actual fertility in Spain. Here’s the thing – the housing supply crunch in Spain, combined with economic woes and the struggle for financial stability, often forces young parents to move away, making it harder for grandparents to be close and provide support. Plus, the cooling economy adds a layer of risk to any lifestyle changes.
