Children or Material Support: the Determination of Choice

Abstract

The results of many studies show that in most families with the birth of a child, the material situation worsens. In families with several children, the standard of living is lower than in families with one child. The decrease in per capita income when a child appears in the family is due both to the fact that the total family income is divided among a larger number of family members, and to the fact that the income itself becomes lower, at least during the period of maternity leave. Having a child is a hindrance to improving family well-being. Despite this, some families are going to have a child (in the near future or somewhat later), but some are not going to. Having analyzed how some families differ from others, one can try to understand the determination of the choice between children and material wealth, and identify the factors that influence this choice. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the results of Rosstat surveys, sociological surveys of young people, as well as a number of regional studies (2003–2019). The analysis showed that those who are going to have another child, on average, have a smaller number of existing children, a higher importance of children, higher per capita incomes and a relatively higher assessment of the family's standard of living. Taking these factors into account when developing support measures for families with children will create preconditions for increasing the effectiveness of family and demographic policy in conditions of low and continuing decline in fertility.