Kiedy mieć dziecko? Jakościowe badanie procesu odraczania decyzji o rodzicielstwie

The main goal of the article is to extend our knowledge on the postponement of childbearing in Poland after 1990. In sociological, demographic or economic literature there are listed numerous factors which could be responsible for this process. Nonetheless, we still lack understanding of what is the meaning of the various factors for young people and how they influence their decision-making on timing of childbearing. An attempt was made to fill this gap by qualitative analyses of 48 in-depth interviews, conducted in Warsaw, in 2004–2005. The results show that it is mainly the material aspects, closely linked to employment, that are responsible for postponement of childbearing. Nevertheless, in the respondents’ opinion, these factors are not likely to lead to ultimate childlessness. Woman’s age sets a limit to the postponement and acts as an important moderator. It modifies evaluations of other factors important for childbearing.