Abstract
This study examines how the sibling constellation in childhood is associated with later fertility behaviour of men and women in Sweden. Administrative register data are used to investigate how birth order affects completed fertility, how the number of siblings and birth order jointly affect completed fertility, and in both cases if there are gender differences in these relationships. Our data consist of all fully biologically related siblings in Sweden whose mothers were born between 1915 and 1935 (the younger generation is born primarily in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s; N = 1,472,813). To study the direct effect of birth order on fertility, sibling comparison models are applied, while to analyse the joint effect of number of siblings and birth order, the sample was stratified by birth order. Results show that higher birth order has a negative effect on completed fertility for women; hence, earlier-born women show overall higher fertility than later-born women. Parity transitions indicate that later-born women are less likely to have two or more children, while no overall gradient for men can be found. The number of siblings is more positively associated with completed fertility for firstborn than for later-born individuals. We conclude that the position in the family of origin can be seen as an additional factor that influences fertility, although effect sizes are rather small.
Highlights
Research consistently found that the family background has important implications for future childbearing patterns
Sociologists and psychologists have suggested that socialization processes or opportunity structures work differently in families of different sizes and that they may differ by birth order of the child (Dunn 2007; McHale et al 2012)
We focus on how the sibling composition in the family of origin affects their future fertility, focusing on both an individual’s order in the sibling set, and how the birth order interacts with the number of siblings in the family
Summary
Research consistently found that the family background has important implications for future childbearing patterns Both the family composition during childhood and the values acquired from parents have been linked to subsequent fertility behaviour and attitudes (Barber 2001; Cherlin et al 1995; Duncan et al 1965; Galster et al 2007; Thornton 1980). Such family background influences can be both direct and indirect. Sociologists and psychologists have suggested that socialization processes or opportunity structures work differently in families of different sizes and that they may differ by birth order of the child (Dunn 2007; McHale et al 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 call
