• 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
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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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“Think about it all the time”. Reproductive cues in a late and low fertility setting

    Anna Rotkirch

Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2026, pp. , 2026/03/24

Special issue: Delayed reproduction

doi: 10.1553/p-m272-kafe


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doi:10.1553/p-m272-kafe


Abstract

The concept of reproductive cues is used to reflect on our childbearing landscape. Originating in life history theory within evolutionary biology, the term captures environmental signals for when it is a good time to have and raise offspring – but also, crucially, when it appears to be a very bad idea. The article discusses how bodily, social, institutional and technological cues for childbearing shape the timing of parenthood today. I argue that the bodies and minds of young women have evolved to be attuned to the examples of their peers, the support available from their kin and community and the status and encouragement – or discouragement – provided by the broader environment. Many economic, technological and institutional incentives favour ever later childbearing, but are increasingly at odds with biological fertility, leading to lower birth rates and involuntary childlessness. The pop song “I think about it all the time” serves to illustrate the search for the right time for motherhood today.

Keywords: Fertility; Reproduction; Decision-making; Fertility anxiety; Baby fever

Published Online: 2026/03/24

Object Identifier: 0xc1aa5572 0x00416d45

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Metrics: https://plu.mx/plum/a/?doi=10.1553/p-m272-kafe

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.