When age begins to matter. Why postponing parenthood?

Seminar paper from the year 2014 in the subject Social Studies (General), grade: 2,7, Humboldt-University of Berlin, language: English, abstract: The paper deals with the issue of later childbearing and the driving forces behind the decision of postponing parenthood. Since this is a global process which affects not only individuals on the micro level, but whole populations, which nowadays face many social challenges, caused by the Second demographic transition. Socio-economic reasons mixed with cultural differences and changing values are among the main reasons for the shift of the timing of childbearing among women. With the equalization of rights between men and women, the educational level of the female population has increased, leading to better career opportunities and the abandonment of the typical view on women as housewives. The introduction of contraceptive methods and the development of medical technology have given women more freedom in the decision-making process concerning family formation and childbearing, but if this tendency continues, what effects could we expect on the society and should governments intervene in individuals' life course choices so that we do not experience lasting negative outcomes? This and other questions are still left unanswered but should probably be included on the agenda.