Abstract
This chapter, which compares the fertility patterns of East German women born in 1971 with those born between 1959 and 1961, provides descriptive statistics on first birth, second birth, and first marriage. It shows how drastically changes on the macro level manifest themselves in individual life course patterns, examining two potential explanations for the postponement of fertility: “women's work commitments” and “economic uncertainties.” Being faced with a more competitive labor market and greater career options, particularly highly educated women should have been inclined to postpone parenthood. Unemployment and other forms of employment uncertainty should lead to a postponement of family formation. Two major results stand out. First, the increase in educational participation and the stronger incompatibility of child rearing and education explains a good part of the postponement of first birth after unification. Second, against expectations, employment uncertainties do not under all circumstances contribute to delayed fertility.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
