Why not having a(nother) child? An analysis of Italian couples’ reproductive intentions. Laura Cavalli*, Alessandro Rosina ** Paper Draft, Chaire Quetelet 2009 Politiques de population en Europe et en Amérique du Nord Abstract: Over the past decades the process of family formation has dramatically changed in Europe. Even though similar trends have been observed across Europe there are still important differences between countries. In comparison to Western European countries Italy, in particular, shows the latest-late transition to adulthood and persistent low levels of fertility. Moreover, this country is characterized by the predominance of traditional gender roles and a very limited social welfare system that favours an overcautious attitude towards risk taking and family responsibilities. This study aims to analyse the process of family formation in Italy, with a specific focus on couples’ reproductive intentions for a first and a second child. Our main hypothesis (see also Rosina and Testa 2007) is that in Italy the couples’ intentions to have a child are particularly exposed to a partners’ conflict if the woman works (actually, a job is increasingly seen as a necessity not only for economic reasons, but also for the independence and the personal realization of the woman) and if she has the highest level of educational attainment within the couple. Moreover, it is supposed that some levels of conflict emerge when women are unsatisfied of the gender division of child caring responsibilities and other family chores. In our analysis we use household level data provided by the International Generation and Gender Program study, adopting a bargaining approach within the couple. Our findings are coherent with the assumption that a higher consistency between desired and actual reproductive behaviour may be achieved if the increasing female labour force participation is counterbalanced by more symmetric gender roles within the couples and by adequate policy measures aimed at facilitating the reconciliation between family and working life. Key-Words: Fertility intentions, Couple’s reproductive decisions, Bargaining Approach, Partners’ disagreement in childbearing, Fertility decision-making process. *L. Cavalli Catholic University, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy Phd Student-Economics and Finance of Public Administration e-mail: laura.cavalli@unicatt.it **A. Rosina Catholic University, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy Carlo F. Dondena Centre for Research on Social Dynamics, Milan, Italy e-mail: alessandro.rosina@unicatt.it