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The Propensity for Parenthood in Italy Between Cultural Orientations, Individual Choices, and Welfare Policies

Author

Listed:
  • Emiliana Mangone

    (Department of Political and Communication Sciences, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Masullo

    (Department of Human Sciences, Philosophy and Education, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy)

  • Francesca Cubeddu

    (Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Miriam Matteo

    (Department of Political and Social Studies, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy)

Abstract

The birth rate data in Italy continue to be discouraging. They are taking on the nature of a structural problem given the continuous decline in population, which is neither accompanied by significant structural policies to promote parenthood, nor supporting the births of fertile generations. This study uses a mixed methods approach and was started in 2022 with the creation of six focus groups in the southern Italian regions of Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Molise, Puglia, and Sicily. Images taken from the “Fertility Day” social communication campaign were used as a visual stimulus to initiate the discussion. In 2024, it continued with a survey based on a pilot study at a hospital involving pregnant women in southern Italy. The results show that the choice to become parents is not only interconnected with either socio-economic issues or the presence/absence of services and incentives but also relates to emerging cultural models that need to be better understood. On this basis, the dual role of institutions in promoting policies therefore becomes fundamental. On the one hand, the “guarantors” of human, civil, and social rights, which have been developed and established over the centuries, are significant. On the other hand, the “promoters” of parental support pathways are needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Emiliana Mangone & Giuseppe Masullo & Francesca Cubeddu & Miriam Matteo, 2025. "The Propensity for Parenthood in Italy Between Cultural Orientations, Individual Choices, and Welfare Policies," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:151-:d:1602639
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Lois, 2016. "Types of social networks and the transition to parenthood," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 34(23), pages 657-688.
    2. Alyce Raybould & Rebecca Sear, 2021. "Children of the (gender) revolution: A theoretical and empirical synthesis of how gendered division of labour influences fertility," Population Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 75(2), pages 169-190, May.
    3. Alberto Cazzola & Aurora Angeli & Lucia Pasquini, 2016. "The relationship between unemployment and fertility in Italy," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 34(1), pages 1-38.
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