Inertial reproduction: is the two-child psychology the rule in Costa Rica?

Abstract

This paper uses data from National Surveys on Sexual and Reproductive Health to test whether variables related to identity, sexuality and contraceptive knowledge are associated with the preference and demand for children in Costa Rica. The preferred number of children is estimated using a negative binomial model, while the number of children is estimated with a double hurdle model. The findings indicate that preferences for children seems to be quite fixed around two children and are associated with conservative values, religious beliefs, the loss of a child and having multiple relationships, but they are not found to be associated with human capital. In contrast, the probability of having a child and the number of children are also related to investment in human capital and sex education. This suggests that while variables related to social constructs might not be so relevant in defining the preference for children they are significant in deciding to bring a child into the world.