Conference
Gender Inequalities, Fertility, and the Future of Family Demography: Intersectionality in an Era of Family Complexity
The Independent Research Group "Gender Inequalities and Fertility" invites you to the international conference "Gender Inequalities, Fertility, and the Future of Family Demography: Intersectionality in an Era of Family Complexity"
Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), Rostock, Germany, March 19–21, 2025
Confirmed speakers
Philip Cohen (University of Maryland) | Trude Låppegard (University of Oslo) | Brienna Perelli-Harris (University of Southampton) | Alessandra Trimarchi (University of Messina) | Daniele Vignoli (University of Florence)
Scope
The new social reality of family complexity, shaped by trends in union formation, union dissolution, and fertility, necessitates a stronger research focus on the interplay between gender inequalities and fertility behaviors. Fertility decisions are influenced by more than just structural opportunities; values, aspirations, and competing life goals all play crucial roles. Consequently, fertility research must address both structural barriers to gender equality and the cultural and societal norms that influence women’s and men’s perceptions of parenthood and experiences of family life.
We invite scholars across disciplines, including sociology, demography, economics, psychology, gender studies, public health, and related fields to submit original research, theoretical contributions, and policy analyses that delve into how gender inequalities act as both determinants and outcomes of fertility intentions and behaviors. We seek to examine the role of education, employment, and economic factors in shaping fertility decisions, and the implications of gender (in)equality within couples on family formation, well-being, and dissolution. Embracing intersectional perspectives, we aim to highlight the interactions between gender, class, race, ethnicity, and fertility. We additionally welcome insights on family policies and interventions designed to address gender inequalities in fertility outcomes, and the impact of emerging family forms on social cohesion and welfare systems. Contributions that utilize innovative theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, including dyadic analyses, are particularly encouraged.
The conference will provide a platform for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and networking to foster collaborations and contribute to the advancement of research in this critical area.
If you would like to host a round table on a related topic, please reach out to us!
Important Dates
Call open: September 2, 2024
Call closes: October 18, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: November 2024
Conference Dates: March 19-21, 2025
Submission Guidelines:
Please use the submission website, which will be published here shortly, to submit abstracts of no more than 300 words. Include the title, author(s) name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information of the presenting author. Submissions will undergo peer review, and selected abstracts will be invited for an oral or poster presentation at the conference.
For inquiries and further information, please contact gifconference2025@demogr.mpg.de
Organizing committee
Independent Research Group Gender Inequalities and Fertility (MPIDR):
Nicole Hiekel | Stefano Arnolfo | Julia Leesch | Flavia Mazzeo | Nathan Robbins