

The Problem with Pronatalism
Jun 26, 2025
Ryan Turnipseed, a graduate student in entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University and summer fellow at the Mises Institute, dives into the complexities of pronatalism. He critiques the economic arguments that suggest higher birth rates boost national security and economic stability. Turnipseed emphasizes the importance of viewing economic systems as collective human actions, advocating for personal fulfillment over mere growth. He also discusses how a declining population could potentially enhance productivity, challenge state policies, and value traditional family structures.
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What Is Pronatalism?
- Pronatalism is the idea that people should have more children to avoid negative societal outcomes.
- It has a mix of proponents, from religious conservatives to figures like Elon Musk, with varied motivations.
Families vs. The State
- Families are the fundamental institution predating the state and essential to social stability.
- The state often undermines families to create more controllable, atomized societies.
Eclectic Faces of Pronatalism
- The pronatalist movement includes eclectic and often off-putting figures like the neo-Puritan Collins couple.
- This odd image weakens the movement’s credibility despite its noble goal.