Exploring Norway's Fertility, Work, and Family Policy Trends
Like other Nordic countries Norway has been investing heavily in family policy to enable combining work and family life. Nevertheless, between 2009 and 2022 the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Norway dropped from 2 children to 1.4 children per woman. What is happening, and why? Can Norwegian parents still reconcile work and family commitments? What role do demographic trends play for the future of the Norwegian society? Should we worry? These are some of the questions that this study addresses. It illustrates various aspects of fertility trends, as well as changes in the Norwegian labour market as well as in Norway’s comprehensive system of public family support. The study also looks at social attitudes and how these might be affecting family formation and fertility trends. The final chapter projects demographic, economic, fiscal and social outcomes under different fertility trend scenarios.
Foreword
There has been a long downward trend in birth rates across many OECD countries, but until 2010 Norway remained in the upper echelon of OECD countries, with fertility rates relatively close to replacement level. However, with the postponement of parenthood, fewer large families, and increased childlessness, the fertility rate in Norway is now below the OECD average. Why has this happened? Can Norwegian parents still reconcile work and family commitments? And what role do demographic trends play for the future of the Norwegian society?
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