Dual burden and fertility intentions in Italy: a mixed methods analysis

Ester L. Rizzi, Université Catholique de Louvain
Maya Judd, Brown University
Michael J. White, Brown University
David I. Kertzer, Brown University

In this paper we combine statistical analysis of a recent national sample in Italy (FSS 2003) with analysis of our own large primary data set examined through text-based qualitative methods. Our objective in this mixed methods analysis is to better understand the spectrum of the couple’s role-set distributions in Italy and its implications for contemporary gender relationships and family building patterns. In order to identify the different role-set typologies, we calculated and combined two Partner’s Work Gap Indicators: one for domestic work and one for paid labor. Our quantitative analysis show that egalitarian role-sets and role-sets unbalanced against man are positively associated with woman’s fertility intentions. Our qualitative insight reconsiders the same role-set categories of quantitative analysis, trying to answer to several questions. How does partners’ interaction determine their role-set? What impact does culture have (super-woman myth, familistic and gender attitudes)? How does a role-set shape fertility intentions and vice-versa?