Reproductive Behaviour: Methodological Issues of Research and Accounting in Demographic Policy

Abstract

The article examines some aspects of the determination of reproductive behaviour, whose research results open up great opportunities for their ambiguous interpretation. New methodological approaches are necessary in order to improve the correctness of such studies. This applies to the analysis of the relationship between the age at birth of the first child and planned number of children, the effect of living standards on reproductive behaviour, self-assessment of obstacles associated with the birth of children. Particular attention is paid to a barely explored issue of the impact of value systems on reproductive intentions in the context of combined motives for the birth of children and self-assessment of relevant obstacles. Value systems play a significant role in determining reproductive behaviour, which should be taken into account in demographic policy.