Do Men Matter for Fertility Outcomes? Evidence from Spousal Dynamics in the Philippines

Tania Dew S. Author_Email: Perez and Michael Abrigo

No DP 2025-47, Discussion Papers from Philippine Institute for Development Studies

Abstract: Female fertility patterns and their drivers have been extensively studied worldwide, often to the exclusion of male fertility patterns, particularly in developing country contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining male fertility patterns in the Philippines. Using own-children estimates derived from three decades of National Demographic and Health Surveys, a modest mismatch in the reproductive age windows of males and females is documented, showing that male total fertility rates exceed those of females. Treating fertility as a joint spousal outcome, the contribution of spousal heterogamy in three dimensions: age, educational attainment, and fertility preference, to observed fertility outcomes is quantified. It is found that converging fertility outcomes coincide with observed homogamous matching. However, fertility gaps persist across wealth quintiles, indicating systemic barriers that inhibit partners from achieving their fertility goals. By incorporating men into the analysis of fertility behavior, the missing half of the fertility picture in a changing demographic landscape is provided. Comments to this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph.

Keywords: Fertility rates; institutions; Family planning; gender dynamics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2025-47

DOI: 10.62986/dp2025.47

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