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Do pro-natalist policies reverse depopulation in Russia?

Abstract: 
Most the the former Eastern bloc nations have aging, declining populations due to decades of low fertility rates. A long-term fertility rate lower than replacement level (2.1 children per woman) means each generation is smaller than the last, precipitating unsustainable population decline. In 2007, Russia implemented a family policy reform that created financial incentives for child rearing. These policies introduced a 'baby bonus' or 'maternity capital' for every child produced. The policies also created more generous maternity-leave benefits for women with multiple children. Using data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (2001-2011) and a binary choice model of childbearing, this paper found that the probability of a second birth increased 2.2% due to the 2007 policy changes. Therefore, Russian fertility policies offer a potential solution to population aging and decline.
Author: 
Serafima Chirkova
Institution: 
University of Santiago
Year: 
2013
Region(s): 
Country: 
Russia
Datatype(s): 
Case Studies
Models
Policies