Do Men, Not Women, Want No Children? Results of Current Quantitative Research on Generative Behavior

Abstract

Eckhard and Klein’s 200-page quantitative study examines gender differences with regard to the desire to have children and the motivation to become parents. It is based on data gathered through surveys of families and was supported with funds from the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Children. The study at hand is significant, particularly in light of current discussions that continue to place the foremost emphasis on women. The authors show that a greater number of young men are childless in comparison to young women. They also document the various gendered differences in terms of the desire to have children and with regards to individual reactions to external determining factors. The focus of the study is the in depth portrayal of the quantitative data material, unfortunately however, the analysis and interpretation of these results can only be hinted at.