Kanttekeningen

Recente bevolkingspolitieke maatregelen in België, inzonderheid inzake vruchtbaarheid

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Abstract

Recent population policy measures in Belgium, especially with respect to fertility – Although Belgium like most other European countries has not yet developed a systematic and coherent population policy, a number of measures can be mentioned that supposedly affect fertility. The aim of the present article is to give a survey of the most important and recent policy measures relating to fertility in Belgium. The law on the reform of the institutions of 1980 has delegated the responsability for population matters to the Executives of the two language communities. Though this reform has created the possibility for the language communities to develop their own population policy , it is to be noted that important policy instruments in the field of population and family remain a national responsibility (law on the family, divorce legislation, the law on abortion, social security, taxation, labour policy). At the moment there seem to be no demographic motives involved in the use of these instruments. This ambiguous division of responsibilities is in no way favourable for the development of a coherent policy. Nevertheless it should be noted that within the limits of their authority the language communities have each developed a policy with its own characteristics. In the French community special attention seems to be paid to problems relating to contraception (and abortion), whereas the Dutch community has developed a many-sided welfare and family policy. This policy is seen as a contribution to a harmonious development of the family and a guarantee for a sound demographic evolution. In contrast to the French community the Dutch community has clearly stated its wish to let scientific research take precedence over policy formulation.

How to Cite:

Bosman, E., (1985) “Recente bevolkingspolitieke maatregelen in België, inzonderheid inzake vruchtbaarheid”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 30(4), 316–329. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.94912