Back in the 1980s, it was true that as women’s share of the labour market increased, their total fertility decreased. But since at least 2000, we have seen quite the opposite trend in economically developed countries.
While, for example, in Italy, an average of just under 60 percent of women have participated in the labour market in the last 20 years, their total fertility only slightly exceeds 1.25 children. However In Norway, France or The situation of the United States is quite different. Between 75 and 85 percent of women routinely work in these countries, and their aggregate fertility rates are around two children.
Four main factors contributing to said change
This was noticed by American researchers who published their working paper through the US National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). And they found that four main factors arranged for the change in trend: a flexible labour market, cooperating fathers, accommodating social lawmaking and quality family politics.
Policies differ from country to country
Norway, for example, has an elaborate system to support childcare. And it’s not just parental contributions, but also expenses for reconciling family and professional life. In the US, similar tools are almost absent, women are leaning more towards helping fathers with child care.
