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Conclusions

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Part of the book series: European Studies of Population ((ESPO,volume 17))

Abstract

Our motivation to conduct this study was driven by inevitable and profound changes in the age structure of the population of Europe. These changes are reflected in a decline in the working age population along with an increase in the population of post-productive age and pose a serious threat to the sustainability of social security systems, economic growth, intergenerational relations, and social cohesion. A rise in fertility could undoubtedly help in counteracting the negative consequences of population ageing. One should take into account, however, that even if Europe succeeds in reaching this difficult goal, it will bring desired effects only after the newborns enter the labour force. Hence, policies aimed at facilitating childbearing are not sufficient to alleviate the consequences of demographic change. In this context, an increase in employment rates and a rise in the education level of the labour force seem to be particularly promising.

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Correspondence to Anna Matysiak .

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Matysiak, A. (2011). Conclusions. In: Interdependencies Between Fertility and Women's Labour Supply. European Studies of Population, vol 17. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1284-3_7

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