Abstract

In the past years women have postponed the birth of their first child. In spite of major societal as well as individual consequences of this postponement, research into the determinants of the timing of the first child in Belgium is rather rare. This article focuses on the influence of micro-economic factors like the income out of labour, career opportunities and career investments of Belgian employed women in the nineties. The results of the hazard rate analysis show firstly an increased first birth risk for women who earn less than 500 euros a month compared to women who earn more than 500 euros. Secondly, highly educated women who have considerable career perspectives seem to postpone the birth of their first child until they acquire a certain level of job security. These results indicate that the opportunity costs add to the decision whether and when to have a first child.

How to Cite:

Jansen, M., (2007) “De invloed van micro-economische opportuniteitskosten op de timing van het eerste kind”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 28(2), 110–139. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86678