Investigating Determinants of Fertility amongst Immigrants and Their Descendants in the UK

Jiseon Baek, University of St. Andrews
Hill Kulu, University of St Andrews
Sarah Christison, University of St Andrews
Francesca F Fiori, University of Strathclyde

Recent research has investigated the childbearing behaviours of immigrants and their descendants, along with the various influences on fertility rates across different European countries.However, when examining these factors, studies often overlook the interacting influences of these factors. For instance, employment status may affect the decision to have a child, whilst childbearing behaviours can also influence employment. To address this complexity, this study employs multilevel multiprocess modelling, allowing for the simultaneous analysis of multiple interconnected processes. The analysis aims to investigate fertility rates and the factors affecting the childbearing behaviours of immigrants and their descendants in the UK. Individual-level longitudinal data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (2009-2021) will be used. The study anticipates that factors will affect fertility rates differently depending on the migrant group, migrant generation, and birth parity, highlighting distinct patterns and determinants that vary across migrant generations.

Keywords: Fertility, International Migration, Family Planning and Contraception, Families, Unions and Households

See extended abstract.