Three demographic consequences of gender-specific behavior pattern: The case of Serbia

Stanovništvo

关键词: gender roles;    gender inequality;    feminization;    ageing;    mortality;    fertility;   

DOI  :  10.2298/STNV1202085S

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The focus point in this paper referes to three issues of demographicdevelopment in Serbia presented from the gender perspective. Feminization,mortality in men and low reproductive norms are analyzed as effects ofrelevant behavior of both sexes. This choice is the result of earlieranalyses of gender socio-demographic characteristics as well as theresearches of demographic phenomena from the perspective of gender roles andgender relations. The gender aspect, as a cognitive concept, implies theimportance of the female and male behavior pattern in understandingdemographic structures, processes and phenomena. The theoretical foundationwas found in the anthropological character of contemporary demography whichfocuses on the individual’s behavior in the context of interactive relationswith the concrete environment. In the context of a complex deterministicbasis and interactive connection of various factors, gender roles and genderrelations represent a relative segment of social dimension of variousdemographic issues. Feminization of the middle-aged and older populationemphasizes the importance of female perspective, taking into considerationspace diversity. Feminization is most intensive in Belgrade. Among themiddle-aged women there is a higher proportion of tertiary educated anddivorced, and less share of the economically independent, in relation to theremaining region of Central Serbia. As regards older women, irrespective ofspatial distribution, widowhood, unfavorable education characteristics, lowereconomic activity and greater economic dependency are important matters. Theissue of retirement has specific importance, and should be solved in thecontext of educated and socio-professional characteristics of women, in orderto promote their social position and gender equality. A shorter life span ofthe male population requires recognizing specific mortality factors of themiddle-aged and older males, in order to eliminate the gender gap in thisview. Greater mortality rate in men implies diversity of factors andcharacteristics of concrete social context. Part of the response lies intheir greater exposure to risky behavior. Apart from that, the importance ofsocio-psychological factors has been recognized, which includes theprevailing concept of gender roles and gender relations. The asymmetricdivision of activities and obligations regarding parenthood represents anincreasingly important determinant of low reproductive norms. Empiricalresearch confirms the prevailing realization of motherhood in everyday parentactivities and in the responsibility for raising and upbringing children.Sweden is an example of a country in which the above average Europeanfertility rates correspond with a more equal division of parenting roles,whereby the support for coordinating parenthood and the profession isorientated both towards mothers and fathers equally. A gender sensibleapproach in solving demographic matters implies recognizing the position andstatus of both sexes and acknowledging the gender relations as a relevantfactor. The analyzed issues are not specific only to the demographicdevelopment of Serbia. Nevertheless, their solving implies confrontingcultural norms, achieved degrees of economic and social development, as wellas building necessary institutional mechanisms.

【 授权许可】

Unknown