Comment on “a theory of the value of children”

The authors dispute the theoretical model proposed by Friedman Hechter and Kanazawa on the value of children in developed countries that is related to the capacity to reduce uncertainty for individuals and to enhance marital solidarity for couples and argue that there is strong support for the rational choice and human capital theory of fertility.

Abstract

The authors dispute the theoretical model proposed by Friedman Hechter and Kanazawa on the value of children in developed countries that is related to the capacity to reduce uncertainty for individuals and to enhance marital solidarity for couples. The authors of this paper argue that the proposed theory has limited potential is internally inconsistent and fails empirical tests. Friedman et al. recognize other reasons for giving value to children that include the expansion of the self an outlet for creativity and desire for accomplishment and an opportunity to guide teach and exert control. It is argued that marriage creates uncertainties and it is not plausible that parenthood uncertainty is any less than uncertainty associated with labor force participation or marriage. Desire for control is more plausible as an explanation for the value of children which is in agreement with the proposed theory. However it is argued that focusing on the precise nature of why parenting occurs is not a good point of departure for exploring systematic variation in fertility behavior. It is argued the first and second hypothesis are contradictory. Evidence is given that supports a negative rather than the proposed positive relationship between divorce and fertility. Evidence is also presented that supports the opposing theory that differences between spouses in education religion race age intelligence and race are associated with a smaller family size. The literature indicates both that marital satisfaction is higher among couples who are voluntarily childless and that marital satisfaction is lower. Empirical evidence is lacking about the influence of strong support from outside sources on fertility. It is viewed as likely that the profamily context of Orthodox Jews supports higher fertility. It is argued that the proposed theory does not distinguish between marital and nonmarital childbearing. It is posited that there is strong support for the rational choice and human capital theory of fertility. Marital status is conducive to childbearing and that strong unions are likely to have higher fertility.