A data-driven approach shows that individuals' characteristics are more important than their networks in predicting fertility preferences.

ABSTRACT: People's networks are considered key in explaining fertility outcomes-whether people want and have children. Existing research on social influences on fertility is limited because data often come from small networks or highly selective samples, only few network variables are considered, and the strength of network effects is not properly assessed. We use data from a representative sample of Dutch women reporting on over 18 000 relationships. A data-driven approach including many network characteristics accounted for 0 to 40% of the out-of-sample variation in different outcomes related to fertility preferences. Individual characteristics were more important for all outcomes than network variables. Network composition was also important, particularly those people in the network desiring chil

SUBMITTER: Stulp G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10731326 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature