• Vienna Institute of Demography (Ed.) - Éva Beaujouan - Marie-Caroline Compans - Alice Goisis - Jasmin Passet-Wittig (Guest Eds.)

Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2026

Special issue: Delayed reproduction

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The Vienna Yearbook of Population Research is an open access journal that features contributions addressing population trends as well as a broad range of theoretical and methodological issues in population research. Besides Research articles and Review articles, the journal includes Data and Trends contributions, which analyse changes in population dynamics or present databases and data infrastructure. It also features Perspectives articles, which focus on ideas, concepts or theories, as well as invited Debates reflecting on selected questions and issues. Since 2008, the volumes have been devoted to selected themes following special calls for thematic issues.

The 2026 volume of the Vienna Yearbook of Population Research brings together a diverse set of contributions examining delayed reproduction as a defining feature of contemporary demographic change. The papers explore how later transitions to parenthood reshape reproductive trajectories, fertility intentions and birth outcomes for individuals and societies. Particular emphasis is placed on heterogeneities and inequalities by educational background, migration status, and place of residence. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches and drawing on data from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the issue highlights that delayed reproduction is a lasting trend with significant consequences for future fertility and societies more broadly.
Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
Austrian Academy of Sciences Press
A-1011 Wien, Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2
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Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2026
ISSN 1728-4414
Print Edition
ISSN 1728-5305
Online Edition
ISBN 978-3-7001-5156-2
Print Edition
ISBN 978-3-7001-5157-9
Online Edition



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Austrian Academy of Sciences Press
A-1011 Wien, Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2,
Tel. +43-1-515 81/DW 3420, Fax +43-1-515 81/DW 3400
https://verlag.oeaw.ac.at, e-mail: bestellung.verlag@oeaw.ac.at
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Delayed reproduction: A small step in the right direction

    Guido Pennings

Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2026, pp. , 2026/02/03

Special issue: Delayed reproduction

doi: 10.1553/p-caeb-6gbj


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doi:10.1553/p-caeb-6gbj


Abstract

The predicted global population increase, despite declining fertility rates in many countries, poses a serious threat by adding to overpopulation, resource depletion and climate change. This paper supports trends that contribute both to ethically valuable goals such as justice and autonomy, and to reduced fertility rates. The primary focus is on universal women’s education as the means to promote both reproductive autonomy and climate mitigation. Delayed reproduction is one consequence of increased women’s education and should also be welcomed. In order to effectively promote reproductive autonomy, it is essential to challenge the widespread pronatalist ideology. This pervasive ideology influences reproductive intentions and undermines autonomy. Delayed parenthood should not be framed as a restriction, but rather as an empowering consequence of greater educational and economic opportunities for women. Ultimately, supporting social trends like delayed fertility can align ethical, environmental and demographic goals without infringing on personal freedom.

Keywords: Climate change; Delayed reproduction; Overpopulation; Reproductive autonomy; Women’s education

Published Online: 2026/02/03

Object Identifier: 0xc1aa5572 0x00415c36

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Metrics: https://plu.mx/plum/a/?doi=10.1553/p-caeb-6gbj

Rights: © The Author(s), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 2026. This article/book is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) that allows the sharing, use and adaptation in any medium, provided that the user gives appropriate credit, provides a link to the license, and indicates if changes were made.