The role of socio-economic factors in birth rates of the Greek population

The major demographic problem in Greece is presented as a result of a prolonged decline in the birth rate and is inextricably linked to the economic and social problems of the recent economic recession that have further exacerbated the burden of infertility. The purpose of this study is to examine the social and economic factors that affect the birth rates of the Greek population. The urbanization of the Greek population and the adoption of a modern lifestyle influenced the redefinition of the roles and values of both sexes, especially of women, and resulted in the reduction of births through mainly the postponement of childbearing. The advent of the recent economic downturn has exacerbated the situation by modifying reproductive behavior for the worse, as the decline in births appears to be linked to the level of education, employment of women as well as to the general climate of insecurity and uncertainty that prevailed during the crisis. Fertility rates can be considered the result of the complex interaction of socio-economic with socio-political factors. The policies needed to modify reproductive behavior should focus on creating more favorable economic and working conditions and on the implementation of family planning policies that would lead to improved fertility rates by increasing natality in younger ages.