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Spatial variation in fertility across Europe: Patterns and determinants
Author(s) -
Campisi Nicholas,
Kulu Hill,
Mikolai Julia,
Klüsener Sebastian,
Myrskylä Mikko
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
population, space and place
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.398
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1544-8452
pISSN - 1544-8444
DOI - 10.1002/psp.2308
Subject(s) - fertility , ordinary least squares , spatial variability , per capita , geography , variation (astronomy) , spatial ecology , regional variation , total fertility rate , multilevel model , regression analysis , gross domestic product , spatial analysis , demography , econometrics , economics , economic growth , biology , statistics , ecology , population , research methodology , sociology , political science , family planning , mathematics , physics , remote sensing , astrophysics , law
This study investigates spatial variation in fertility in Europe. We analyse spatial variation in total fertility rates using small‐scale geographical data from 21 European countries for 2010 and investigate the role economic, sociocultural, and spatial factors play in regional fertility levels. We compare the performance of conventional ordinary least squares regression and multilevel modelling with that of different spatial regression models and show that the spatial approach is superior for modelling regional fertility variation. The analysis shows that fertility levels in a region are strongly related to gross domestic product per capita and the share of divorced individuals in the region, and fertility levels in neighbouring regions, supporting that all three realms of fertility determinants—economic, sociocultural, and spatial—are relevant for understanding modern fertility variation.