Abstract
A comparative analysis was carried out using survey data on attitudes regarding population trends and policy in Italy and in the Netherlands. The results show that current trends and the determinants of those trends are perceived similarly in both countries.
With regard to policy, the Italians exhibit much more positive attitudes toward suggested new family policy measures than the Dutch. In the Netherlands, family policy generally is given a much lower priority than other areas of social policy. It appears that having children reflects different values in the two countries.
Those who attach greater value to having children are also more in favour of new family policy measures than others. However, the results suggest that introduction of these measures would not raise the reproduction rate to anywhere near a stationary level.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Deven, F. (1979). ‘The meaning of having children’, in R. Mackensen (ed.)Empirische Untersuchungen zum generativen Verhalten, Berlin: Technische Universität.
Fawcett, J.T. (ed.) (1972).The satisfactions and costs of children: theories, concepts, methods. Honolulu: East-West Population Institute.
Golini, A. (1989). ‘La popolazione Italiana. Una visione d'insieme’, in:Secondo rapporto sulla situazione demografica Italiana. Roma: IRP.
Moors, H., H. van Leusden and I. Hogen Esch (1989).Opvattingen over het bevolkingsvraagstuk en de acceptatie van beleid. 's-Gravenhage: NIDI. (NIDI Rapport nr. 7.)
Moors, H. and S. Koesoebjono (1990). ‘The acceptance of fertility-related policies: an international comparison.’ Paper presented at the Conference ‘Population, society and demographic policies for Europe’, Turin (Italy): Giovanni Agnelli Foundation, April 4–6, 1990.
NCBS (1989). ‘Uitkomsten bevolkingsprognose 1988’,Maandstatistiek van de bevolking 37: 35–50.
Niphuis-Nell, M. (1981). Motivatie voor ouderschap.Een onderzoek naar de invloed van attitudes op het proces van gezinsvorming. Deventer: Van Loghum Slaterus. (NIDI-Publikaties 4).
Olson, M. (1971).The logic of collective action, public goods and the theory of groups. Cambridge: Harvard University.
Palomba, R. (ed.) (1987).Vita di coppia e figli: le opinioni degli Italiani degli anni Otanta. Firenze: La Nuova Italia.
Palomba, R. (1988). ‘Demographic policy in Italy: Italians opinions and acceptance.’ Paper presented at the Seminar ‘Demographic trends and population policy’, Dubrovnik: Interuniversity Centre of Postgraduate Studies, June 6–12, 1988.
Palomba, R. (1989). ‘Women, work and the family in Italy in the '80s.’ Paper presented at the Seminar ‘Demographic trends and population policy’, Dubrovnik: Interuniversity Centre of Postgraduate Studies, June 5–11, 1989.
Palomba, R., A. Menniti, A. Mussino and H. Moors. (1988). ‘Attitudes towards demographic trends and population policy: a comparative multivariate analysis of survey results from Italy and the Netherlands’, European Population Journal 4: 297–313.
Rozendal, P., H. Moors and F. Leeuw (1985).Het bevolkingsvraagstuk in de jaren '80: opvattingen over overheidsbeleid. Voorburg: NIDI. (NIDI-Publikaties 6).
Sabbadini, L.L. (1988). ‘Le convivenze prematrimoniali in Italia tra passato e presente.’ Rome: Istituto di Ricerche sulla Popolazione. (Working paper 3/1988)
Tweede Kamer der Staten Generaal (1983). ‘Bevolkingsvraagstuk’, Zitting 1982–1983, 15552, nr. 2. 's-Gravenhage: Staatsdrukkerij.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Moors, H.G. Attitudes towards demographic trends and population policy: Italy and the Netherlands in a comparative perspective. Popul Res Policy Rev 9, 179–194 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02343249
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02343249