FERTILITY TRANSITION FROM TRADITIONAL TO MODERN MODEL IN MOLDOVA: EXPLORATION IN BASE ON THE GENERATION AND GENDER SURVEY

Abstract

In Moldova like in other countries of Eastern Europe, a fertility transition is taking place from the traditional model to the modern one which is associated with the decrease of juncture-related fertility indicators. Although the fertility indicators are higher compared to those of other states, the factors determining this level and the possible future trends are an important question to be asked. We assume, some of the socio-demographic characteristics of women, particularities of the socio-economic and cultural context have an impact on the reproductive behavior and determine either to keep the traditional model or switch to the modern one. To answer this questions, a research was conducted to highlight the differences in women’s reproductive behavior in Moldova as well as the socio-demographic characteristics which make the difference between the fertility level and the number of children born during the reproductive age (living environment, education level, first sexual intercourse, mean age of first marriage, mean age of mothers at first birth, first-birth and interbirth intervals). The research is based on the data of the demographic study Generation and Sex conducted in Moldova in 2020 where a subsample of 1546 women aged 20-49 was selected. A special typology was elaborated through a hierarchical cluster analysis and the women were divided in 4 groups according to characteristics of the reproductive behavior. It was found that the traditional model of reproductive behavior prevails in Moldova, two subgroups being emphasized: “traditional with large family” and “traditional with maximum two children”. A middle group is represented by women displaying “transitory to modern” reproductive behavior model. The least numerous group is made up of women characterized by “modern” behavior.