Fertility in Flux: Childbearing Intentions and Behaviour in the Nordic Countries  

Dates: September 18–19, 2025 
Location:  The Nordic house, Reykjavík, Iceland 

We are pleased to invite submissions for presentations at an upcoming conference on the complex factors shaping the declining fertility rates observed in most Western societies. The conference aims to foster a comprehensive discussion on how factors such as rising inequalities, uncertainties, and changes in parenting culture may impact childbearing decisions. The conference will also address the effectiveness of family policies in supporting families with children and whether these policies adequately reflect family diversity and meet the needs of people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Possible topics include (but are not limited to)  

1. Fertility and family policies  

2. Developments in parenting culture 

3. Migration and childbearing decisions 

4. Family diversity and childbearing 

5. Socioeconomic status and childbearing 

6. Fertility decline in the context of cultural shifts and rising uncertainties 

We welcome abstracts based on a range of methods and empirical materials to explore the complex factors shaping fertility in the Nordic countries. 

Submission guidelines: 

• Abstracts should be no more than 300 words. 

• Include the title, author(s) name(s), and affiliation(s). 

• Submit your abstract by May 1st, 2025, via email to sunnaks@hi.is 

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While the conference will be dedicated to presentations from the international research community, we also aim to foster a dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders.  

The conference is supported by the Icelandic Research Fund and is a part of a three–year project on Fertility Intentions and Behaviour in Iceland, led by researchers at the University of Iceland.  Participation in the conference is free of charge, but presenters are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation expenses.

For more information, please send an e-mail to sunnaks@hi.is