Fertility Support and the Fertility Intentions of Women of Childbearing Age in Underdeveloped Areas—Based on a Survey of Fertility Intentions Across 88 Districts and Counties in Guizhou Province
Fertility support has become an important measure to enhance the fertility intentions and behaviors of young people.However,due to limited research data,few studies have examined various types of fertility support and their effects in underdeveloped areas.To investigate the impact of various types of fertility support on the fertility intentions of women of childbearing age in underdeveloped areas,this study uses survey data on fertility intentions from 88 districts and counties in Guizhou Province.It examines the influence of government policy support,social childcare support,and family intergenerational support on the fertility intentions of women of childbearing age in these areas.The findings of the study are as follows.(1)The current fertility intentions of women of childbearing age in Guizhou have declined to a low level,with a risk of further decline in future fertility levels.(2)Family intergenerational support,social childcare support,and government policy support all significantly promote the overall fertility intentions of women of childbearing age.However,only government policy support and family intergenerational support have a significant impact on the intention to have three children,while the impact of social childcare support on the intention to have three children is not significant.(3)Heterogeneity analysis reveals that various types of fertility support have a greater impact on women over 35 years old,approximately twice the impact on younger women under 35.The impact of different supports also varies by educational attainment,with lower-educated women being more influenced by family support and government policy support,while higher-educated women are more influenced by childcare services.(4)The synergistic effect of various types of fertility support on the fertility intentions of women of childbearing age is very significant.When all types of fertility support are strong,they have a greater impact on the fertility intentions of women of childbearing age.Based on these conclusions,this paper suggests that,on one hand,the fertility support system and policies should be universally beneficial while also considering the differentiated needs of different groups;on the other hand,it is necessary to further improve the fertility support system,fully leverage the synergistic effects of various types of fertility support,and provide women of childbearing age with more choices of fertility support options when making fertility decisions.
Fertility Support SystemFertility IntentionsUnderdeveloped AreasRespondent-Driven Sampling Survey
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
