• 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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Fluidity in fertility timing intentions among childless men and women

    Shalini Singh

Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2026, pp. , 2026/05/06

Special issue: Delayed reproduction

doi: 10.1553/p-9jb3-a3h3


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doi:10.1553/p-9jb3-a3h3


Abstract

This study examines how childless individuals revise their intended age at first birth as they move through adulthood, providing a longitudinal view of how fertility timing delays unfold over the reproductive years. Using 14 waves of German Family Panel (PAIRFAM) data for the 1981–1983 and 1991–1993 birth cohorts, it tracks changes in intended timing and lifetime fertility orientations across five-year age intervals and annual partnership transitions. Results show that intentions to have a first child after age 35 are rare in early adulthood, with late first birth expectations and disengagement from childbearing emerging when earlier plans remain unfulfilled. A strong digit preference in the intended age is observed, with men favouring round numbers, and women postponing more gradually. Partnership status plays a decisive role, especially in later life, shaping whether the intentions are maintained, adjusted, realised or discontinued. Overall, the study confirms the fluid and context-dependent nature of fertility timing intentions.

Keywords: Fluidity; Fertility timing intentions; Lifetime fertility orientations; Childless; Postponement; Partnership transitions

Published Online: 2026/05/06

Object Identifier: 0xc1aa5572 0x00418d9d

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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.