CSDE invites you to a seminar co-sponsored by the Population Health Initiative with Dr. Janna Johnson on Friday, Feb. 2nd from 12:30-1:30 in 360 Parrington Hall and on Zoom (register here). Dr. Johnson is an associate professor at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. An economist and demographer, her research employs cutting-edge econometric methods to answer questions about U.S. population and policy, particularly those concerning internal migration within the United States. There will be several opportunities to meet with Dr. Johnson throughout the day, including 1×1 meetings (sign up here) and a graduate student lunch after the seminar, facilitated by CSDE Fellow Aasli Abdi Nur. See the official event poster for the lunch here and RSVP to Aasli (aasli@uw.edu) to attend.

Abstract: Fertility rates in the United States have declined substantially since the 2008 Great Recession following a long period of relative stability. Using data from the Current Population Survey, American Community Survey, and National Survey of Family Growth, we identify an apparent generational shift in fertility patterns between Generation X (born 1965-1979) and Millennials (born 1980-1995). We investigate the potential role changes in partnering may play in driving this decrease in fertility. As Millennials have not completed their childbearing years and may simply be delaying their fertility more than Gen X, we calculate the fertility rates Millennials would need to experience in their late 30s and 40s in order to achieve similar total cohort fertility as Gen X. While still preliminary, our work points to the potential importance of the unique economic and social conditions experienced by Millennials in young adulthood in shaping their fertility.