Variation of reproductive behavior lines and reproductive cycle types

Abstract

The article analyzes the reproductive behavior lines, traced on the basis of pregnancy history, and proposes a classification of the reproductive cycle types. The article is based on both theoretical constructs of typologization and an assessment of the prevalence of various reproductive behavior lines obtained based on the data from a representative sociological study SeDOZH-2019. A pregnancy history study of 1005 participants shows a fairly high homogeneity of reproductive behavior lines; patterns of repetition of the same reproductive cycles types (more often corresponding to the natural course without the use of contraception and induced abortions) can be traced. An analysis of behavior after the birth of the last child was carried out and after the second child birth a statistically significant predominance of the strategy consisting of avoiding new pregnancies was shown. There is also a correlation between the preference for this strategy and the degree of satisfying of the need for children: if the need is fully satisfied, in most cases (more than 80%), a new pregnancy does not occur, which indicates the leading role of the value component in the regulation of reproductive behavior. A comparison of the behavior of various socio-demographic groups of respondents showed only slight differences: younger and more educated women more often choose strategies that include the use of contraception and avoidance of abortion. The results obtained were analyzed from the point of view of recommendations for designing demographic policy measures.