Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Fertility: The Model of Dyadic Pathways

Abstract

In this theoretical contribution, we propose a comprehensive and integrative heuristic model to explain fertility, the Model of Dyadic Pathways (MDP). We show how existing models such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour often do not withstand empirical challenges, especially not individual self-reports in qualitative studies. Furthermore, existing models vary in their premises and foci, resulting in a collection of models which do not necessarily align with or supplement one another. For these reasons, these heuristic models have been widely criticised and, in practice, pieced together according to the research question and tradition of the researcher. Against this backdrop, we establish the MDP to reconnect theory with reality and to unify a variety of approaches. The MDP is grounded on the dyad of partners as the prevalent basis of fertility. It integrates reasoned and unreasoned fertility behaviour, the impact of individual- and couple-level life course, soci(et)al conditions, and the body as an “actor”. The model explicitly accounts for the variety of different real-life pathways that lead to fertility. It thereby encourages researchers to, first, consider all potentially relevant factors and their mechanisms and, second, think of fertility and its measurement as a multilinear process. Based on the presented elements a comprehensive model of fertility must cover, we suggest ways to improve surveys accordingly. Furthermore, we elaborate on the contributions and challenges the MDP presents to future fertility research.

Fertility desires, intentions, and behaviour

“…The importance of considering life course processes has also been highlighted by Brehm and Schneider (2019), but a key feature of their approach is its acknowledgement that both partners are involved in fertility decision making. The Model of Dyadic Pathways (MDP) considers the shared experiences of the couple -i.e., the joint resources and behaviours and communication within the couple.…”

“…Prospective data are required to examine whether the introduction of policies designed to reduce gender inequity actually have an impact on fertility. Moreover, future research needs to recognise the roles of both partners in reproductive decision making (Brehm and Schneider 2019). When data availability has allowed analyses to take a 'couple approach', greater insight into these roles has emerged.…”

Mutual Influence? Gender, Partner Pregnancy Desires, Fertility Intentions, and Birth Outcomes in U.S. Heterosexual Couples

“…Researchers study fertility behavior in an effort to better understand couple dynamics, make sense of aggregate fertility trends, and recommend social policies in response to those trends. Because reproductive decision-making usually occurs in a couple context, many scholars have argued that it is important to explicitly model the dyad in fertility research (Brehm & Schneider, 2019; Miller et al, 2004; Phillipov, 2011). Few studies, however, explicitly model partner influences on fertility intentions and subsequent births (Stein et al, 2014; Stykes, 2015).…”

“…Having a baby or not could reflect a mutual decision or could reflect one partner, but not the other, realizing fertility desires and intentions (Brehm & Schneider, 2019). Theory and research suggest a number of possible models of the influence of gender on fertility decision-making in heterosexual couples (Bauer & Kneip, 2012).…”

“…Consequently, modeling fertility at the couple-level could lead to the reclassification of some births from “unintended” to “mixed” intentions, and could help explain why women’s intentions are not always realized (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2004). These couple processes are further complicated when either or both partners may be ambivalent, simultaneously wanting and not wanting a child (Barber et al, 2011; Brehm & Schneider, 2019). Thus, incorporating both partner’s attitudes together may help account for the complexities of intentions and desires.…”