Fertility determinants in modern Russia

Economic models of fertile behavior are the theoretical background of this research. For empirical models estimates we use RLMS data (Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey) for 1994–2001. These models are estimated for following dependent variables: probability of childbearing, probability of pregnancy break (within the next year after polling), the desire to have a child in future. Many economic variables influence family decision-making on a childbearing, however nevertheless major factors which determine reproductive behavior, remain demographic (age and quantity of children ever born) and cultural. Values and cultural factors remain more influencing propensity to parenthood, than economic. The importance of nationality, religiousness, satisfaction by financial position, and also frequencies of alcohol consuming is high. Distinctions between regions are essential, between cities and countryside too. Birth rate is higher in poorer regions, with lower level of female unemployment. Many economic factors which theoretically should influence decision-making on a birth of a child(employment, profession, education, incomes of women and their spouses, conditions of life), appeared insignificant or significant only in models for some samples of women.