Inter-Generational Relationships between Women's Fertility, Aspirations for their Children's Education and School Completion in the Philippines
Gipson, J.D.; Hindin, M.J.
Journal of Biosocial Science 47(6): 825-844
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1469-7599 PMID: 25488276 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932014000510Document Number: 624478
Women's education is associated with positive social and health outcomes for women and their families, as well as greater opportunities and decision-making power for women. An extensive literature documents ways in which broader, societal changes have facilitated roles for women beyond reproduction, yet there is minimal exploration at the family level. This study used inter-generational cohort data from the Philippines to examine mothers' aspirations for their children's education, and how these aspirations predict children's subsequent educational attainment. Mothers' education, household wealth and a locally developed measure of women's status were positively associated with higher educational aspirations for children; however, only mothers with the highest fertility were less likely to desire their children to attend college or higher. Mothers' fertility and aspirations both significantly and independently predicted children's school completion. Together, these findings indicate that increased opportunities for Filipina women beyond childbearing may not only positively benefit these women themselves, but also future generations.