Fertility Behaviour of Highly Educated People in Slovenia

Abstract

This paper addresses the fertility behaviour of the highly educated people in Slovenia, aged 20-49 years. It is mostly based on the data of a survey conducted in the year 2000. A descriptive statistical analysis was used. In particular, conclusions were drawn as to what could be the impact of new or changed family policy measures. Agreeing with the statement that the implementation of three most desirable measures would have a certain positive impact on deciding to have a(nother) child decreases the more the statements given are binding. Nonetheless, 45% of the highly educated declare that if their three most desired measures are implemented, they will probably decide to have a(nother) child. We compare the realized and the intended number of children of the highly educated and other educational population segments. The number of children the person still intends to have as a rule increases with the educational level irrespective of gender and age group. Some proposals are given for new emphases in Slovenian family policy with the purpose of making it easier for the highly educated to realize their intended number of children.