Discussion

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss the results in the context of the theories and our working hypotheses on the impact of international migration on fertility. Some reflections are then offered on the work presented here. The study concludes with perspectives for further research. The analyses of the transitions to the three parities have shown the importance of distinguishing between immigrant generations when we study the fertility behavior of immigrants from Turkey, the former Yugoslavia, Greece, Italy, and Spain in West Germany. First-generation immigrants are more likely to have a first, second, and third child than are West Germans, whereas women of the second generation have the higher transition rates only for the first (and the third child without significance). The differences in fertility risks between first- and second-generation immigrants are significant for the transitions to a first and second child, but not for the third child.