 National Identity and Fertility Intentions: Evidence from HungaryDávid Erát Population and Development Review, 2026, vol. 52, issue 1, 135-166 Abstract: This paper examines the association between national identity, defined as individuals’ cognitive and emotional attachment to the nation, and fertility intentions. A form of social identity, national identity shapes everyday interactions and choices, and individuals with a strong national identity are more likely to adjust their behavior and to follow the expressed or inferred norms for the “good of the nation.” This study argues that a stronger national identity results in fertility intentions that are aligned with the nation's needs (whether higher or lower fertility) through its effects on personal attitudes, conformity to childbearing norms and expectations, and perceived control over fertility. The findings indicate that in a pronatalist context where higher fertility is actively encouraged by the nation, a stronger national identity is associated with a lower probability of intending to remain childless and a higher probability of intending to have two or more children, with variation by age, gender, and relationship status—highlighting national identity as an important factor when considering fertility‐related decisions. Date: 2026 Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:popdev:v:52:y:2026:i:1:p:135-166 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Access Statistics for this article Population and Development Review is currently edited by Paul Demeny and Geoffrey McNicoll More articles in Population and Development Review from The Population Council, Inc. |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.