Citation

Lesthaeghe R, Surkyn J. Popul. Dev. Rev. 1988; 14(1): 1-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Population Council, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Cohorts are socialized under a historically specific set of conditions by a unique set of parents, institutions, and peers. Economic circumstances affect the value orientations of the socializing generation, set constraints on family building patterns, and open or close possibilities for cultural diffusion. The demographic cycle of the baby boom and bust can be matched by a cycle of ideational change: individual trust in existing institutions and their regulatory functions during the boom, and accelerated individuation during the bust. The individuation process is continuing among today's younger cohorts in Europe, suggesting an extension of the current period of below-replacement fertility.

Language: en