Author: R. Stefanov, I. Dimitrov
Title: Planed number of children by the newlywed bulgarian families under the conditions of social and economic transition. 3, 2003, ¹ 2, 28-31.
Key Words (author's): Planned number of children; Family planning; Socio-economic factors; Family policy.
Key Words (MEDLINE): .Family planning; Parity; Socioeconomic factors; Family - psychology; Family characteristics; Social change; Questionnaires.
Topic: Studies, analyses, reviews
Abstract
The planned number of children is an index, indicating the number of children that spouses would like to have in their future family before they have got married. This index is implemented for the first time in the world demographic practice by I. Dimitrov in 1978. The aim of this study was to reveal the influence of some social factors upon the planned number of children by the newlywed Bulgarian family and explore the changes of this index that have occurred during the social and economic transition in the country. A large cross-sectional study of the family planning of Bulgarian newlywed couples from the town of Plovdiv (Bulgaria) was done. For comparative purposes, data from a similar study in 1995 were used. The social status of male spouses in year 2000 appeared to be an important factor for the planned number of children. The highest number of children was preferred by male students and brain-workers, while the lowest - by industrious workers. The average monthly income of the family member is a constant strong factor, associated with the planned number of children by male and female spouses in 2000 as well as in 1995.
Address for correspondence:
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Dr. R. Stefanov, е-mail:
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Prof. Dr. I. Dimitrov, MU Plovdiv, Tel. +359 032 602-309
