Muslim migrant fertility in Europe: What does it tell us about Islam and fertility?

Mohammad Jalal Abbasi-Shavazi, The University of Tehran & Vienna Institute of Demography
Tomas Sobotka, Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital
Meimanat Hosseini Chavoshi, University of Melbourne

Muslim migrant populations in Europe have historically exhibited higher fertility than non-Muslim populations, which has fueled misconceptions about Muslim demography and contributed to xenophobia. This paper challenges the simplistic notion that Islam or religiosity alone drives higher fertility among Muslims. Instead, it demonstrates that socio-economic status, cultural factors, and the country of origin play a more significant role in shaping fertility behavior. Using data from various sources, this study examines fertility trends and differentials among Muslim women across Europe. It also explores how these trends align with the fertility transition in Muslim-majority countries and investigates the influence of education, migration status, and religiosity on fertility behaviors. By providing a nuanced understanding of Muslim fertility in Europe, the research aims to dispel myths of consistently high fertility and offers insights into the demographic integration of Muslim migrant populations. These findings have important implications for both policy and demographic projections in Europe.

Keywords: Fertility, Migrant Populations and Refugees

See extended abstract.