Las madres jóvenes en España. Explorando los condicionantes de la edad a la primera maternidad desde la perspectiva de géner

Abstract

This article analyzes the determinants of age at first childbearing among young women in Spain. First, it provides a theoretical, conceptual and empirical review on the age as one of the determinants of first motherhood. Then, it analyses the results of the Synthetic Report of 2019 Youth Maternity Study performed by the Queen Sofia Center on Adolescence and Youth. Finally, a quantitative study is conducted with the sample of mothers, with the aim of analyzing the gender implications of variables influencing age at first childbearing. Age cohort, level of studies, employment and couple situation and availability of independent housing appear as the main determinant categories of an unwanted untimely motherhood pattern, characterized by unstable couple situations that affect the trajectory of women’s life. The results indicate the need to generate public policies for equality and social justice