The Influence of Grandparental Related Social Capital on Fertility Intentions

Abstract

There has been a strong decline of the fertility ratio in Western society, therefore, this research examines the influence of social capital, received from grandparents, on the intention to have another child in the Netherlands, both for individuals with one child and with two or more children. Based on the rational choice approach and the general theory of social capital the expectation was that more social capital would lead to a higher intention to have another child. Moreover, the difference in effects of instrumental, financial and potential help and the moderation effect of socioeconomic status on the relationship between social capital and fertility intention were examined. The NELLS data (N = 1914) are used to preform multiple linear regressions and ordinal logistic regressions. The results for individuals with one child show that social capital has a positive influence on the intention to have another child, and instrumental help has a stronger influence than financial help. Socioeconomic status did not have a moderation-effect. The results for respondents with two or more children show that there are no influences of social capital and socioeconomic status on the fertility intentions. Therefore, social capital has a stronger effect for individuals with one child compared to individuals with two or more children. These results show that it is important to consider the role of grandparents in debates about fertility rates in Western countries.