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Attitudes, Norms and Perceived Behavioural Control: Explaining Fertility Intentions in Bulgaria
[Attitudes, normes et contrôle perçu du comportement: Une explication des intentions de fécondité en Bulgarie]

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco C. Billari

    (Università Bocconi)

  • Dimiter Philipov

    (Austrian Academy of Sciences)

  • Maria Rita Testa

    (Austrian Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

In this article, we study fertility decision-making through timing parity-progression intentions. The theoretical framework builds on Ajzen’s social-psychological “Theory of Planned Behavior”: intentions are seen as directly dependent on three components: attitudes, norms and perceived behavioural control. We study the case of Bulgaria, a “lowest-low” fertility country. In 2002, a sample survey containing a specially designed module was conducted. This module included an implementation of our framework, with a special attention to the links between normative pressure and the social network of respondents. Results show that the three components are broadly predictive of fertility intentions. More specifically, attitudes are more relevant than norms for higher parities. Socio-economic, ideational, psychological and social capital-based factors are relevant background determinants.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco C. Billari & Dimiter Philipov & Maria Rita Testa, 2009. "Attitudes, Norms and Perceived Behavioural Control: Explaining Fertility Intentions in Bulgaria [Attitudes, normes et contrôle perçu du comportement: Une explication des intentions de fécondité en ," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 25(4), pages 439-465, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eurpop:v:25:y:2009:i:4:d:10.1007_s10680-009-9187-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10680-009-9187-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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