SUBJECT: ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE “FAMILY 500+” PROGRAM – A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL BENEFIT ON THE FERTILITY OF POLES

Abstract

Background and Objective: Currently the subject of public debate in Poland are potential demographic problems. Researchers predict, that the population of Poland will begin to decline. Due to demographic forecast, Polish government introduced “The Family 500+” Program, aimed at improving the number of live births From the moment of its introduction, there were voices supporting the actions of the then government, as well as critical due to the possibility of negative effects on the country’s economy. The debate and research conducted so far have not answered the question whether the new benefit of PLN 500 actually increases the number of live births.

Study Design/Materials and Methods: The article presents two econometric models presenting possible factors influencing the value of live births. The data used for the study come from the Central Statistical Office and the European Statistical Office, and their analysis was performed for the period between Q1 2010 and Q2 2020.

Results: The conducted research has shown that the “Family 500+” program has no significant impact on the number of live births in Poland.

Practical implications: Research in the form of creating econometric models can be used in reforming public policy in the field of demography.

Conclusion and summary: The analysis of the “Family 500+” program to date has shown that the solution introduced by Beata Szydło’s government has no significant impact on improving the demographic situation of Polish society. The article is also a suggestion for politicians and demographers to carry out a reform in this area.