Genoveva Mihova
Papers of BAS, Humanities and Social Sciences
Vol. 2, No 1-2, 2015
DEMOGRAPHY
FERTILITY INCREASE IN THE FOCUS OF DEMOGRAPHIC POLICY IN BULGARIA
Genoveva Mihova
Abstract: The paper provides a detailed analysis on the preconditions and the steps of development of the pronatalist demographic policy in Bulgaria, the first elements of which date back since the end of 18th century and can be uncovered in the first decrees and laws of the Bulgarian government about family and workers’ benefits. The history of development of the Bulgarian pronatalist policy is divided into three stages: the first one includes the period 1878-1944; the second on covers the time between 1944 and 1989 and the third one lasts from 1989-1990 until recently when the country undergoes a transition to democracy and market economy. In spite of some interruptions and inconsistencies in the recent demographic policy of the country, this policy has always been directed to an increase of fertility. The childcare has been considered a general priority of the state. The legislative and social-policy measures directed to an increase of fertility include: maternity and family benefits, child allowance, improvement of the social conditions for childrearing, achievement of equity in childcare and stimulation of social responsibility in formation of human capital of the young generations. The overview of the recent demographic crisis in Bulgaria delineates the goals of the future demographic policy and social development of the country.
Key words: birth rate, fertility, population policy, family, children