Abstract.
The aim of this paper is to find an empirical connection between the striking increase in the use of fixed-term contracts in Spain and the observed delay in the age at marriage and maternity. Using the eight waves of individual information from the European Household Panel for Spain, we find that for men, the decision whether to get married is strongly negatively affected by holding unstable contracts or not working, relative to when an indefinite contract is held. However, for women, results suggest that holding fixed-term contracts is not a deterrent for the decision whether to get married. With respect to the decision of whether to enter into parenthood, results indicate that for all childless women, either with no partner, holding fixed-term contracts delays entry into motherhood relative to the holding of indefinite contracts. The discouragement effect is stronger for women with no partner, though.
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Rica, S.D.L., Iza, A. Career Planning in Spain: Do Fixed-term Contracts Delay Marriage and Parenthood?. Rev Econ Household 3, 49–73 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11150-004-0979-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11150-004-0979-8