View source for Desired fertility

{{individual measure|subjective = yes|timedependent = yes}}
==Definition==

The '''desired fertility''' or '''ideal fertility''' of a female at a given point in time is the total [[completed fertility]] she would ''like'' to have. Note that this differs conceptually (and may or may not differ in actual value) from [[expected fertility]], because the latter refers to the total completed fertility she expects to have, given her realistic assessment of constraints.

==Relation between desired fertility and parity==

With most definitions of desired fertility, desired fertility must be at least equal to the [[parity]] of the female, i.e., the number of children the female has already had.

==Variation with time==

Whereas completed fertility is a constant for a particular woman (that is determined after she can no longer bear children), desired fertility may change with time as the woman's goals, beliefs, and fertility history.

==Gaps==

* [[Gap between desired fertility and expected fertility]]
* [[Gap between desired fertility and completed fertility]]

==References==

* {{paperlink|Pritchett-desired-fertility}}
* {{paperlink|Eurobarometer-idealfamilysize}}
* {{paperlink|US-intendedfertility-idealfamilysize}}
* {{paperlink|idealfamilysize-constructvalidity}}
* {{paperlink|WesternEurope-idealfamilysize-immigrants}}
* {{paperlink|Europe-subreplacement-emergence}}