The importance of job characteristics to women's fertility intentions and behavior in Russia

We assess whether a relationship between employment conditions and fertility exists in the low-fertility context of Russia. Using multiple data sources, we study both intentions and transitions to the first and second birth. Occupational characteristics appear more related to the timing of entering parenthood than to having a second birth. Differences by occupational branch were few, but we find evidence that family-friendly job characteristics influence first and second intentions and conceptions. Attitudes toward work and family roles do not mediate this relationship. Women who change occupational branches after entering parenthood are less likely to continue childbearing.