Generational changes in procreative behavior in Poland. Comparative analysis of generations 1947-1951 and 1973-1977

Marta Szklarska, Cracow University of Economics
Beata Zając, Cracow University of Economics

The decrease of fertility, with temporary waving caused by baby booms and periods of population decline is still observed in Poland. The socio-economic transformation process, begun in 1989, significantly influences the changes in procreative behavior in Poland. The main determinants of this process are higher educational and professional aspirations among young people, economic uncertainty and critical dwelling situation. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate the similarities and dissimilarities of procreative behaviors of generations born in the periods 1947-1951 and 1973-1977 in Poland. The population born in 1947-1951 belongs to the postwar baby boom, when the second one is its echo. The distance between two generations is approximately equal to mean age of mother at childbearing. We are able to compare the mothers and daughters patterns of procreative behaviors. The following hypotheses are formulated: 1. The patterns developed in woman’s family home has a major influence on her own procreative decisions. 2. The influence of education on procreative behavior is stronger in generation 1973-1977 than in population born in 1947-1951. 3. The patterns of procreative behavior are influenced by the environment in the place of living, rather than by the birthplace. 4. Fertility patterns in urban and rural areas become more similar. To verify the hypotheses formulated above, we apply event history analysis (parametric regression models). We investigate the impact of woman’s place of birth, place of living and educational level. The data come from the survey conducted during National Census 2002 and Social Diagnosis 2000-2007.