Exploring the Puzzle of Human Reproduction: Register Data Based Evidence from France and Germany

Cäcilia Lipowski, Ralf A. Wilke, Bertrand Koebel

Research output: Working paperResearch

Abstract

Birth rates differ strongly across European states, despite the deep economic harmonisation process related to European integration. This study uses large scale administrative data from France and Germany to analyse and directly compare fertility patterns in two major European economies over a period of 15 years. Strong evidence is found that opportunity costs play a role in fertility decisions, and for a positive income effect for females with high earnings. Females in Germany adapt their fertility behaviour more strongly in response to economic incentives than their counterparts in France. This is explained by pronounced differences in the national approaches to childcare support.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationMannheim
PublisherLeibnitz Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW)
Number of pages60
Publication statusPublished - May 2020
SeriesZEW Discussion Papers
Number20-025

Keywords

  • Family policy
  • Fertility behaviour
  • Count data
  • Panel data

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