Why Are Women Having Fewer Babies? The Views of Mumsnet Users

Abstract

In the previous chapters, international scholars have given evidence that low fertility rates and childlessness are rising around the world. But how does this play out in real life, where young mothers are daily making decisions to have or not to have more children? What reasons do current mothers give for having fewer babies, and what do they see as the barriers to larger families? The two principal authors here agreed to use their Mumsnet website to elicit some views. Within four days, there were more than 100 ‘postings’. Kate Williams was responsible for setting up the questions on the website.