In recent years, the demographic dynamics of migration have increasingly drawn scientific attention, particularly regarding how migration shapes fertility patterns across Europe. A groundbreaking study by Friedrich and Milewski (2026) published in the journal Genus unpacks the intricate interplay between gender, migration, and reproductive behavior, revealing nuanced patterns of completed fertility among first-generation migrants in various European destination countries. This research provides a critical update to our understanding of population changes, and its implications ripple across social policy, integration strategies, and future demographic forecasting.
Traditionally, migration research has often treated migrant populations as a homogeneous group when analyzing fertility tendencies. However, this latest investigation distinguishes itself by adopting a gender-sensitive lens, unexpectedly revealing that fertility outcomes vary considerably not just by country of origin and destination but substantially diverge between male and female migrants. This paradigm shift toward a gender-differentiated approach challenges prevailing models and highlights the necessity for more granular analysis.
The study draws on a large, robust dataset encompassing multiple European countries, creating a comprehensive map of completed fertility—meaning the total number of children born to migrants over their lifetimes—among first-generation migrants. What emerges is a striking pattern: the number of children women migrants tend to have is significantly shaped by the destination country’s social, economic, and cultural context, while men’s fertility patterns follow a different trajectory. This gender asymmetry underscores complex socio-demographic mechanisms at play.
At a technical level, Friedrich and Milewski employed advanced demographic methods, including multivariate regression models and hierarchical statistical techniques, to disentangle the relative contributions of origin and destination countries. They controlled for variables such as age at arrival, length of stay, education level, and economic activity, thereby isolating the net effect of country context and gender. The rigor of this methodology ensures that the findings reflect genuine patterns rather than artifacts of confounding factors.
A particularly intriguing finding revolves around the fertility adjustments migrants make once settled. Female migrants’ fertility seems highly responsive to the host country’s institutional frameworks—such as family support systems, parental leave policies, and gender equality indicators—affecting their decisions on family size. In contrast, male migrants’ fertility appears less sensitive to these factors, often retaining characteristics closer to their countries of origin. This differential adjustment elucidates the complexity of assimilation processes.
Moreover, the research delves into how socio-cultural integration and labor market participation influence fertility preferences. Women who participate actively in the workforce tend to have fewer children in some destination countries, mirroring patterns observed in native populations. The study interprets this through the lens of competing demands between career and family roles, which differ sharply across European welfare regimes. Men, conversely, exhibit less pronounced links between employment and childbearing, hinting at entrenched gender norms and roles.
Importantly, the analysis does not treat Europe as a monolith but characterizes regional variations in fertility behaviors. For instance, migrants settling in Northern and Western European countries with extensive family policies demonstrate distinct fertility outcomes compared to those in Southern or Eastern Europe, where such support is less robust. This geographic heterogeneity highlights how structural factors within destination countries can either facilitate or constrain family formation among migrants.
The implications of these findings extend beyond the academic sphere. Policymakers focused on integration and social cohesion can glean valuable insights into the varying reproductive behaviors of migrant men and women, tailoring services and interventions to support family well-being in diverse communities. Understanding the gendered fertility patterns also aids in projecting population growth and labor market demographics more accurately, key for sustainable urban and social planning.
Furthermore, the study contributes to the broader discourse on migration’s role in demographic shifts amid Europe’s aging native populations and declining fertility rates. The fertility behavior of migrants has the potential to counterbalance these trends, but this study emphasizes the criticality of gender dynamics in evaluating such impacts. The differential fertility trajectories observed underscore the necessity of nuanced demographic models that incorporate gender and destination-specific factors.
Another innovative aspect of the study lies in its longitudinal perspective, tracking migrants at different stages of their adaptation process. It reveals that fertility decisions are not static upon arrival but evolve over time as migrants integrate socially and economically. This temporal dimension adds a layer of complexity to demographic analyses that often rely on cross-sectional data, enhancing our understanding of living and reproducing in new socio-cultural environments.
Technically, addressing “completed fertility” rather than current fertility rates offers a more holistic picture, capturing the culmination of reproductive choices over a lifetime rather than snapshots that may be influenced by temporary economic or social conditions. This long-term approach allows the researchers to better assess the enduring effects of migration on population structure and growth.
Friedrich and Milewski’s research also intersects with gender studies by acknowledging how migration experiences and roles differ for men and women. Female migrants frequently encounter distinct challenges and systemic barriers, from labor market discrimination to access to reproductive health services, which collectively shape their fertility patterns. On the other hand, male migrants’ decisions around childbearing often unfold within different social expectations and family dynamics.
In an era where migration debates are often polarized, this study provides an evidence-based narrative that illuminates the demographic consequences of migration in a scientifically rigorous manner. It moves beyond stereotypes and political rhetoric, presenting data-driven insights that highlight how social structures and gender norms inform the reproductive lives of migrants. Such clarity is vital for informed public discourse.
The study’s quantitative depth and sociological sensitivity make it a valuable resource for demographers, sociologists, policymakers, and public health professionals alike. As Europe continues to grapple with complex migration flows and demographic transitions, integrating gender-differentiated analyses into planning and research will be increasingly important.
Looking ahead, the authors suggest that future work could deepen exploration into second-generation migrants and the interplay of intergenerational transmission of fertility preferences influenced by both origin and host societies. There is also scope for integrating qualitative research methods to further elucidate the lived experiences behind these quantitative patterns.
In summary, Friedrich and Milewski have produced a landmark study that significantly advances our understanding of how migration and gender jointly shape fertility outcomes in Europe. By meticulously unpacking country-of-destination effects and highlighting fundamental gender disparities, their research heralds a new era of nuanced demographic inquiry that will influence both theory and practice in population studies for years to come.
Subject of Research:
Gender-differentiated completed fertility patterns among first-generation migrants in Europe and the influence of country-of-destination on these patterns.
Article Title:
Country-of-destination patterns vary by gender: completed fertility among first-generation migrants in Europe.
Article References:
Friedrich, C., Milewski, N. Country-of-destination patterns vary by gender: completed fertility among first-generation migrants in Europe. Genus 82, 2 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41118-025-00280-1
Image Credits: AI Generated
