Reproductive Fears of the Population in Small Towns of Ivanovo Region

Abstract

This article identifies the reproductive fears of the population of small towns of Ivanovo region. The combination of quantitative and qualitative methods (questionnaire and focus group interviews) made it possible to identify such fears and key factors in their formation.

Statistical data shows that population of Ivanovo region is aging, the disproportion between the percentage of men and women in older age groups is growing and the next demographic wave is leading to a reduction in the number of women and men of reproductive age. The high divorce rates has also aggravated the demographic situation in the region. These negative demographic processes are accompanied by reproductive fears. The authors identified the following factors in the formation of reproductive fears: the general socio-economic situation in the region, the social well-being of the population, the historically developed features of the reproductive behavior of residents, problems in support systems (health care, social protection, education, etc.). The top three reproductive fears were the deterioration of the financial situation (experienced by residents with income and a high level of education), a drop in personal income (women, young people and respondents in late fertile age), fear of losing good rest (young people from small towns and representatives of low-income groups). The study also revealed four types of motives limiting reproduction: egoistic, material, prestigious, psychological. The authors conclude that the existing measures to increase the birthrate, the quality of health care and the social security system, and the availability of other social services are not yet able to overcome the trend of having fewer children and to ease reproductive fears.