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Home > News & Events > Events Calendar > Lowest-Low Fertility: A Theory of Normative Rigidity and Economic Context
Mary Brinton, Reischauer Institute, Professor of Sociology
and Department Chair
Establishing greater gender equity in market work and in households
is a shared goal for many postindustrial democracies. The logic
behind this goal often stems from fairness concerns. This paper
examines the issue from a demographic angle and examines the
relationship between gender equity and fertility in postindustrial
societies. We show that many of the societies currently
experiencing what demographers term “lowest-low” fertility are
precisely those where the gender-role revolution has stalled and
where gender inequality remains high. In this sense, gender
inequality in the 21st century can be considered a contributor to
the negative population outcome of below-replacement fertility.
This practical implication gives further impetus for movement
towards greater gender equity.
Lunch will be provided.
An RSVP is not required as this is an open event.