Timing of the first birth in the Spanish cohorts: evidences from the "Fecundidad, familia y valores 2006" survey

Margarita Delgado, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Alessandra De Rose, Università di Roma "La Sapienza"
Laura Barrios, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Francisco Zamora, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

In this paper, we are exploring the factors related to the delay of the timing of fertility, that is being observed in Spain since 1970, connected with a sharp decline in the total fertility rate. The focus is on comparison between the elderly female cohorts 1941-55 and the youngest ones, born after 1970. Data come from the very recent and totally unexplored fertility survey, "Fecundidad, familia y valores 2006" held in Spain on a sample of 9700 women, which includes detailed information, among others, on: reproductive and partnership history, education and working activities experiences, as well as on values, opinions and religious attitudes. We model the transition to the first birth using life history analysis techniques, and test, in particular, the changing role played by the female participation in the labour market and its stability on the hazard of becoming a mother after the age of 15.