Childbearing Desires in Iran: Patterns and Determinants

This article presents research-based evidence to examine patterns and determinants associated with childbearing desires in Iran. The sample includes 2878 people aged 15 and above living in the rural and urban areas of Ahvaz, Babolsar, Bojnord, Gonbad Kavos, Mahmoudabad and Hamadan. Generally speaking, the research findings indicate an increasing generational gap in childbearing desires. While such patterns as childlessness and one-child model are not accepted, the two-child model is the most visible pattern of childbearing desire. The findings support the gender convergence suggesting that men and women share close childbearing desires. However, childbearing desires vary substantially by attitudes towards gender roles.