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Research Article
Bringing norms back in: a theoretical and empirical discussion of their importance for understanding demographic behaviour
Article first published online: 6 MAY 2009
DOI: 10.1002/psp.552
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1544-8452/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=250fb88ff9eb201651191f2569457e1c42361f98 "Population, Space and Place")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Liefbroer, A. C. and Billari, F. C. (2010), Bringing norms back in: a theoretical and empirical discussion of their importance for understanding demographic behaviour. Population, Space and Place, 16: 287–305. doi: 10.1002/psp.552
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 JUN 2010
- Article first published online: 6 MAY 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 9 FEB 2009
- Manuscript Revised: 20 JAN 2009
- Manuscript Received: 20 OCT 2008
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- life-course;
- social norms;
- sanctions;
- Second Demographic Transition;
- the Netherlands
Abstract
Although the life-course perspective emphasizes the importance of the concept of social norms for understanding demographic choices, the usefulness of this concept is heavily debated. In particular, it has been questioned whether social norms are still important in post-modern societies, and whether societal expectations can really be called norms if no sanctions are attached to them. In this article, we review the theoretical and empirical literature, highlight the potential usefulness of the concept, and illustrate its importance by presenting empirical data on the existence of norms concerning demographic choices in The Netherlands, one of the most individualized countries in the world. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.