Investigating factors influencing low fertility in Asia

Investigating factors influencing low fertility in Asia

Low fertility rates and other closely related trends such as declining family formation, later marriages, and rising age of first birth have been observed in many advanced Asian societies. In this context, understanding the determinants of marriage and fertility decisions carries with it important theoretical and policy implications. However, previous research is impeded by the lack of integrative framework and a limited understanding of local institutional and cultural contexts. Extant literature largely consists of theories that are relatively disparate and fragmented in the sense that different individual aspects are regularly examined in isolation from one another. Little is also known about context-specific factors such as gendered norms in the family and workplace. Therefore, one of the goals of the present research is to take a more holistic and person-centred approach to integrate the complex and broad array of explanations examined in past research. It uses data from the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families, the Perception of Policies in Singapore Surveys, and the Taiwanese Panel Study of Family Dynamics to understand recent trends in family formation, as well as examine the potential policy responses for increasing fertility rates. This research aims to extend the existing body of knowledge by using both person- and variable-centred methods to understand the underlying factors contributing to low fertility in Asia.

Jolene Tan is a first year PhD student at the School of Demography. Her research focuses on understanding low fertility in Asia and potential policy responses to address the downward trend in fertility observed in most developed countries. Prior to commencing her PhD, Jolene worked at the Singapore Ministry of Social and Family Development under the Family Development Group.

 

Date & time

Tue 26 Oct 2021, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Location

Zoom ID: 813 8432 5598 P/W 276173

Speakers

Ms Jolene Tan, PhD Candidate, School of Demography

Contacts

Susan Cowan

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