Gender Inequalities, Fertility, and the Future of Family Demography: Intersectionality in an Era of Family Complexity

The Independent Research Group "Gender Inequalities and Fertility" invites you to the international conference "Gender Inequalities, Fertility, and the Future of Family Demography: Intersectionality in an Era of Family Complexity"

The new social reality of family complexity, shaped by trends in union formation, union dissolution, and fertility, necessitates a stronger research focus on the interplay between gender inequalities and fertility behaviors. Fertility decisions are influenced by more than just structural opportunities; values, aspirations, and competing life goals all play crucial roles. Consequently, fertility research must address both structural barriers to gender equality and the cultural and societal norms that influence women’s and men’s perceptions of parenthood and experiences of family life.

We invite scholars across disciplines, including sociology, demography, economics, psychology, gender studies, public health, and related fields to submit original research, theoretical contributions, and policy analyses that delve into how gender inequalities act as both determinants and outcomes of fertility intentions and behaviors. We seek to examine the role of education, employment, and economic factors in shaping fertility decisions, and the implications of gender (in)equality within couples on family formation, well-being, and dissolution. Embracing intersectional perspectives, we aim to highlight the interactions between gender, class, race, ethnicity, and fertility. We additionally welcome insights on family policies and interventions designed to address gender inequalities in fertility outcomes, and the impact of emerging family forms on social cohesion and welfare systems. Contributions that utilize innovative theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, including dyadic analyses, are particularly encouraged.

The conference will provide a platform for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and networking to foster collaborations and contribute to the advancement of research in this critical area.

on-site:
Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Konrad-Zuse-Str. 1
18057 Rostock
Germany