Do Environmentalists Forgo Parenthood? A Life Course Perspective on Fertility Expectations and Behaviors in the
UK
Katya Ivanova, Tobias Rüttenauer ABSTRACT
Objective
To assess whether environmental concerns are associated with fertility expectations and behaviors across the reproductive life course.
Background
Whether individuals consider climate change in their reproductive decisions is an emerging area of research. Prior studies have largely examined stated intentions or the influence of extreme weather events, leaving open questions about actual fertility behavior in relation to environmental concern.
Method
Using individual‐level panel data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), we followed 11,951 women and 8117 men from 2009 to 2022. We first use linear probability models and regress fertility expectations and parenthood status on the environmentalism index as measured in the first wave. We then estimate growth curve models to model the transition to parenthood across the life course for men and women who report different levels of environmentalism at the first wave.
Results
Environmentalism is associated with slightly lower fertility expectations among younger adults, particularly those in their mid‐20s to early 30s. Notably, the negative association is stronger when it comes to actual parenthood status. Women aged 25 to 40 with high environmentalism scores are significantly less likely to have children. Growth curve analyses reveal that the difference between high and low environmentalism groups widens between ages 25 and 35, but narrows again by age 42.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that the link between environmentalism and fertility behaviors may not necessarily be driven by a deliberate decision to forgo parenthood but rather by postponement.