Perceived Influences Upon Australian Family Formation Decisions

This project aims to enhance understanding of low and declining fertility in Australia by examining personal explanations for family formation (partnering and childbearing) decisions. Through qualitative analysis of the lived experience of individual young women and couples, it seeks to move analysis of family formation beyond interpretation of aggregate trends and patterns. In asking respondents to reflect on factors influencing, or likely to influence, their own family formation behaviour, the significance of employment aspirations and conditions will received particular emphasis. How important are career aspirations, the work environment broadly perceived, and the work environment as personally experienced?