The value of children for their parents. A special action theory of fertility behavior and intergenerational relationships in cross-cultural comparison

Demographic and micro-economic approaches have not sufficiently resolved th e explanation of fertility behavior and intergenerational relationships. Th e "value-of-children-approach" promises a possibility to solve these proble ms especially with regard to cross-cultural differences. The approach is re -conceptualized in the framework of the theory of social production functio ns as a special theory of action. Children are seen as strategic intermedia te goods to fulfil basic needs of their (potential) parents: Their (1) work and income utility and their (2) insurance utility increases physical well -being, their (3) status utility and their (4) emotional utility increases social recognition. The explanatory potential of this special theory of act ion is systematically unfolded for six essential dimensions of the action s ystem of the family (size, durability, context opportunities and restrictio ns, resources, intergenerational relationships, and gender). Finally, the i mplications for the modernization and social change of intergenerational re lationships in societies with different kinship systems are discussed.