Embedded Files
What are Generation Z's Reproductive Intentions?
What are Generation Z's Reproductive Intentions?
For my honors thesis, I wanted to understand the mindset and attitudes that Generation Z women are having towards childbearing. I conducted an IRB approved qualitative study (Study #00006941) through semi-structured interviews for my findings.
For my honors thesis, I wanted to understand the mindset and attitudes that Generation Z women are having towards childbearing. I conducted an IRB approved qualitative study (Study #00006941) through semi-structured interviews for my findings.
Prior Research
Prior Research
Malthus "An Essay on the Principle of Population"
Aries "Two Successive Motivations for the Declining Birth Rate in the West"
Cyclical Fertility Theory
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Demographic Transition Model
Current Research
Current Research
United States fertility has been fluctuating since the 1960's but in a downward trajectory since 2008
Recent abortion bans impacting gynecological care
Generation Z's primary predicting factors are fertility knowledge and family relationships
Research Methods
Research Methods
Semi-structured qualitative interviews
Interviewed cis-gendered Generation Z women aged 19 - 22
In person and Zoom interviews
Data coded by hand to find recurring themes
Study Results
Study Results
• Gen Z women do still want to have kids and view motherhood as a rewarding but thankless job that society praises and undermines at the same time
• Many participants worry about raising their children in Texas due to the political climate and overturning of Roe v. Wade, which has also impacted their sexual behaviors
• The primary concerns participants had towards motherhood were their own futures, the future emotional connection and child’s experience.
Research Experience Reflection
This year-long research project has taught me technical skills and more about my personal interests. I had to work with some quantitative data and understand how to clean up data to isolate variables. I've learned how to code qualitative data to discuss emerging themes within interview data. Finding relevant research and understanding what information is valuable within research is also a skill I have developed throughout this process. I initially applied for this thesis program because I wanted to gain these skills but I also learned what future projects I may pursue in graduate school. I have realized that human sexuality is an important topic to me and I would like to continue down the path of understanding the intersection of sexuality and health.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse