Exploring the association between gender equality in the family and fertility intentions: an explanation of the findings in low-fertility countries

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated a positive association between gender equality in the family and fertility measures. However, this association may vary when different features of gender equality in the family, such as the division of housework and childcare, are analyzed. Furthermore, it has been argued that individuals may have different perceptions regarding housework and childcare, which can further explain how the division of these activities is associated with fertility outcomes. We performed a microlevel investigation of the association between the division of housework and childcare and fertility intentions with the aim of identifying patterns (or their absence) in the association. We hypothesized that a more equitable division of tasks is associated with increased fertility intentions. We used data from the first round of the Generations and Gender Survey (GGS) in ten countries: Germany, Belgium, Austria, France, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, and Georgia. Our samples included individuals who were in heterosexual relationships and had one child. We employed binary logistic regression for analysis. Overall, our findings suggested that a more equitable division of housework was associated with an increased likelihood of intending to have a second child. Conversely, a less equitable division of childcare was associated with a decreased likelihood of intending to have a second child. Owing to the discussion of the diverse perceptions that individuals may hold regarding housework and childcare, this study contributes to the literature by proposing a theoretical explanation for the patterns observed in our results. The results align with those of previous studies indicating that childcare is generally viewed as enjoyable and rewarding, whereas housework tends to be negatively evaluated and linked to perceptions of unfairness and inequality. Consequently, a more equitable division of housework may reduce work‒family conflict and potentially be associated with increased fertility intentions. In contrast, if childcare is perceived as fulfilling, engaging in more childcare activities may lead to increased fairness rather than unfairness, leading to the association between less equal division of childcare and increased fertility intentions.