A review of research of the relationship between gender equity and fertility in low-fertility settings

Our objective in this study is to critically review and discuss the extensive theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between gender equity and fertility. While discussing the main distinct arguments and perspectives of various theoretical propositions, we present a novel angle by underscoring how different foundational theories can complement each other, ultimately advocating for a holistic approach to research and policy development in this domain. Moreover, we conduct a thorough investigation of the empirical evidence by analyzing a wide set of recurring studies and discussing potential explanations for the observed diverse findings. Even though the use of distinct datasets with different variables and measurements often emerges as a commonly discussed reason for the varied empirical findings (particularly at the micro level), we also explore other factors, such as the differences between housework and childcare regarding perceptions of fairness and the heterogeneous contextual and societal conditions across countries. Ultimately, although the theoretical framework has found considerable support in empirical investigations (particularly at the macro level), caution must be exercised when making definitive claims about increased gender equity in the family being the paramount solution for reversing fertility decline in high-income countries.