Přehled o publikaci

This paper uses survey data from the Czech GGS-II to explore the relationships between individuals’ economic and housing conditions and their short-term and overall fertility intentions over time. We could observe a significant decline in the total fertility rate and annual births in Czechia between 2020 and 2023, when several unexpected socioeconomic, political, and public health-related events occurred. Recent research on fertility intentions emphasizes the influence of individuals’ current socioeconomic positions and perceptions of uncertainty, showing how unfavorable conditions or uncertain expectations can be associated with declining fertility plans. We analyzed survey data from the first and the second wave of the Czech GGS-II (2020–2022 and 2024–2025), focusing on respondents aged 18–39. Comparing the share of respondents with short-term and overall fertility intentions between 2020 and 2025 reveals a decline in intentions to have a child in the next three years or ever. Additionally, housing arrangements with lower levels of stability and income in the lowest quartile are linked to a more significant drop over time. We conclude that experiencing potentially disruptive and disturbing events could affect individuals’ expression of their short-term and overall fertility intentions in Czechia between 2020 and 2025, mainly among individuals in less favorable situations.