The eleventh Demographic Forum, organised by the Association of Demographers of Serbia, took place live at the Science Club, Center for the Promotion of Science, on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The topic New insights into the challenges of parenting and family support policies – European and Serbian context brought together researchers, professors, policymakers, representatives of UN agencies, and the media to discuss recent trends in population policy and the challenges associated with parenting in contemporary society.
The panellists were Dr. Kristijan Fidanovski, from the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies and Ass. Prof. Dr. Dragan Stanojević, from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade. The panel was moderated by Dr Vladimir Nikitović, president of the Association of Demographers of Serbia.
Dr. Kristijan Fidanovski delivered a presentation on “Demographic challenges – between fertility decline and population aging,” where he outlined demographic changes in Europe, focusing on declining fertility rates and increasing population aging. He highlighted the reduction in births in Eastern Europe, the widening gap between deaths and births, shifts in life goals among young people and the trend toward later parenthood often influenced by misperceptions regarding reproductive behaviour, and the limited impact of pronatalist measures. He noted that restoring the total fertility rate to replacement level (2.1) in the EU from the current 1.45 would require unrealistic increase (250%) in child allowances. Fidanovski stated that previous policies in Central and Eastern Europe primarily influenced the timing of births rather than overall fertility, with some resulting in decreased female labour force participation or adverse reactions to paternal leave.
Ass. Prof. Dr. Dragan Stanojević addressed “Gender and class dimensions of balancing work and parenthood in contemporary society” referencing historical shifts in work and parenting reconciliation, including the move from household cooperatives to nuclear families and the dual burden faced by women in both socialist and post-socialist contexts. Stanojević discussed patterns of parenting characterized by intensive care and engagement, often without institutional support, and noted gender and class disparities, such as lower involvement of working-class men in caregiving due to stigma, the dual responsibilities shouldered by working-class women lacking sufficient resources, and unsupportive attitudes in the workplace toward female primary caregivers in higher-paying jobs. He also remarked that middle-class individuals tend to manage work and family roles more easily due to greater resources and partner assistance.
Following the initial presentations, the panellists addressed questions posed by the moderator, focusing on themes raised during the lectures.
Kristijan Fidanovski provided his perspective on the meaning and results of pro-natal policies in Central and Eastern European countries. Dragan Stanojević elaborated on the challenges men face in balancing the roles of breadwinner and engaged father, discussing ways in which men can participate in family life while maintaining their professional identity.
The final portion of the Demographic Forum featured a discussion based on audience comments and questions. Topics included gender equality in the workplace and its effects on parenting, changes in family structures and gender relations, the impact of population policy on family formation, and groups targeted by family support policies.
The XI Demographic Forum concluded with brief closing statements from the two panellists, summarizing their main points and addressing notable questions raised during the discussion.
