The recent slight increase in Australia's fertility rate to 1.85 children per couple has been cited by some as a baby boom. Closer inspection reveals that this is a misnomer. Despite our population now exceeding 21 million, we are a long way from the replacement level of 2.1 children per couple. A 2007 study published in the journal, People And Place, entitled "Boom or Gloom" considered Australian women at the end of their child-bearing years. It reveals that fertility has continued its long-term decline. Women in the 40- to 44-year age cohort achieved a lifetime average of 2.05 children compared with 2.23 a decade ago.
A particularly significant measure of who is having kids was the size of the gap between cohabiting women in this cohort (1.83 children) and married women (2.27). The author's findings support earlier studies that confirm that "most of the decline in the total fertility rate is due to the partnering factor". It appears increasingly obvious that if you want to have kids, then you need to talk with your potential spouse about the value of marriage and family. If they're not interested, move on!
SMH 19 Jan 2008
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