Late transition to parenthood in high-income and low-fertility East Asian societies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Late transition to parenthood is no longer a phenomenon only observed in Europe; rather, it is even more prominent in high-income and low-fertility East Asian societies. Yet, there is a significant gap in the literature about the trends, causes and consequences of late child bearing in Asian societies. Underpinning the ultra-low fertility rates in high-income East Asian societies including Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan is the significant delay in transitioning to parenthood. The median age at first birth in these societies is now the oldest among all high-income societies globally, and more than 20 per cent of all first births occurred to women aged 35 and above. Taking a life course perspective to investigate the shifting age norm for parenthood and the causes of late parenthood would provide a more insightful understanding of the phenomenon. In addition, the consequences of late parenthood observed in Western countries are also likely to manifest in these societies, with intergenerational consequences deserving special attention within the Asian context.