Beyond objective indicators : the impact of psychological processes on the fertility preferences of young adults

This research investigated the complex relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and fertility preferences. For the first time, our investigation considered both tangible and subjective SES indicators, concurrently, aiming to unravel the importance of economic, social, and psychological factors that link SES to child-rearing outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, a cohort of 300 young adults aged 18-28 residing in the United Kingdom were recruited. Contrary to previous research, the findings indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between objective SES and fertility intentions and ideal family size and a significant negative relationship for the ideal child-rearing age. Intriguingly, no statistically significant relationships existed between perceived SES and fertility intentions, ideal family size, or ideal child-rearing age. In a novel exploration, a sequential pathway in which social class identity (SCI) was associated with fertility intentions emerged through a desire for identity continuation. Accordingly, fertility decision-making processes for young adults are multifaceted, involving not just practical and tangible considerations like income but psychological processes related to identity. Overall, this study offers implications for fertility and family planning policy, laying the groundwork for future fertility-based studies to look beyond surface-level indicators and explore the subtleties of identity and individual experiences.