Familienleitbilder - Identifikation und Wirkungsweise auf generatives Verhalten

Abstract

For a long time, the Federal Republic of Germany has been characterised by a low birth rate. In the past two decades, particularly socio-economic and structural frameworks were used to explain generative behaviour. This article is to be understood as a plea for Leitbild research. Here, normative-cultural explanations are developed to explain reproductive behaviour and to obtain a deeper understanding of parental roles and partnership. It is assumed that collectively shared guiding role models (Leitbilder) exist, which are influencing e.g. the partnership, the parent-child relationship and the decision for or against (more) children. Criteria are developed to provide a theoretical foundation for the empirical search for and identification of Leitbilder in the future. Finally, starting points for sociological research on Leitbilder are outlined.