Desired and achieved fertility: evidence from Uruguay

Verónica Amarante, Instituto de Economía, UDELAR
Wanda Cabella, Universidad de la República, Uruguay

Uruguay is a non developed country facing demographic problems that can be considered similar to those of developed ones. The recent decline of fertility is a subject of concern among researchers and politicians because of its social and demographic consequences. In this context, the gap between desired and achieved fertility appears as a relevant issue, that has begun to be considered in the design of public policies. This paper aims at contributing to that debate through the analysis of the divergence between desired and achieved fertility and its determinants. Using longitudinal data, we also intend to explore changes in desired fertility over time, and to analyse the potential role of ex post rationalization of births, that may be interpreted as adaptive preferences.