Family Size Preferences

Abstract

Preferred or desired family size is the number of children wanted in one's lifetime. Family size preferences are viewed as mesures of the demand for children which, in combination with the supply of children and contraception determines the number of children born. Family size preferences may change over the life course, especially in response to childbearing and childrearing experience. Family size preferences or desires are conceptually and empirically distinct from family size ideals, norms, intentions, and expectations. Because childbearing is a two-person event, the preferences (and intentions) of sexual partners must be considered. The effect of family size preferences or preferences for a particular birth on the birth risk depend on couple agreement, as well as on fecundity, fertility control, and other constraints on individual behavior or outcomes.