Change in Reproductive Behavior in the Komi Republic: Factors and Consequences

Abstract

The article analyzes the current fertility trends in the Komi Republic, changes in its structure concerning birth order, mother's age and marriageability. Basing on a cohort sociological study, we evaluate the impact of federal and regional demographic policy on the change in reproductive attitudes. The article states that recent public initiatives in this sphere have helped elongate positive fertility trend under a declining age structure, make up for births postponed by previous generations, increase the number of children per family, strengthen the role of the family infertility, as well as assisted in young families' early fertility. Federal and regional measures of demographic policy were the most beneficial for 1960's and 1970's generations who actualized them later in older age groups. Yet, regional measures of demographic policy aimed at encouraging having a third child appeared to be more universal. They did not only contribute to a further increase in fertility and faster rise in the proportion of higher-order births, but also improved reproductive planning, including among the youngest birth cohorts. We conclude that a gradual expansion of pro-family demographic measures can affect both the current fertility situation and its future prospects.