Research Group

Gender Inequalities and Fertility

Project

Relationship Dynamics and Fertility Decision-Making

Conducted by Nicole Hiekel; Nathan Robbins

This project examines how relationship dynamics shape access to parenthood before childbearing. By analyzing gender role attitudes, alignment in fertility intentions, and economic selection in union formation, it shows how partnership processes structure the timing and social stratification of entry into parenthood. Detailed Description

Research Keywords:

Demographic Change, Family Behavior, Fertility Development, Life Course

Region keywords:

Denmark, Estonia, Europe, Finland, Germany, Norway, USA

Publications

Dierker, P.; Ophir, A.; Hiekel, N.:

From dating to marriage: changes in short-term fertility intentions across partnership transitions

MPIDR Working Paper WP-2026-010. (2026)

Begall, K.; Hiekel, N.:

Examining the gender equality-fertlity paradox in three Nordic countries

Population and Development Review 51:2, 858–888. (2025)

Ferraretto, V.; Hiekel, N.; Vitali, A.:

Non-cohabiting partners’ economic characteristics and the transition to living together in Germany: a couple-level perspective

European Journal of Population 41:25, 1–28. (2025)

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Research