Educational differences in fertility recuperation: The role of partnership trajectories in Spain

BACKGROUNDThe postponement of first childbirth is a well-established trend across many high-income countries.While delayed childbearing often reduces the likelihood of having additional children, some women compensate by shortening the interval before a second birth.However, the capacity to recuperate fertility after a late start varies, particularly according to educational attainment, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVESThis study examines how partnership trajectories shape the timing and likelihood of first and second births, with a focus on educational differences.It explores whether stable partnerships are associated with earlier childbearing and whether they facilitate fertility recuperation after delayed motherhood, with particular attention to educational differences.