The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Why are we having fewer children?

Jan 20, 2025

In this engaging discussion, guests Madeleine Davis, a New Statesman contributor, and Anastasia Berg, co-author of "What Are Children For? On Ambivalence and Choice," explore the global decline in birth rates. They delve into how financial, social, and romantic factors influence the choice to have children. The conversation highlights changing attitudes towards parenthood and the complexities of modern family planning, emphasizing the societal shifts that impact decisions about raising a family.

30:08

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Episode guests

Anastasia Berg

Madeleine Davies

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Economic factors such as high childcare costs contribute significantly to declining birth rates, complicating financial stability for young families.

Cultural attitudes towards parenthood, including a heightened sense of 'readiness' and evolving social norms, influence individuals' decisions about having children.

Deep dives

Fertility Rates and Economic Influences

Fertility rates are declining globally, with many countries reporting figures below the replacement level necessary to maintain population stability. Economic factors are often cited as key contributors to this trend, as high childcare costs and challenging financial situations create obstacles for young families. Despite extensive government incentives aimed at increasing birth rates, such as generous parental leave and subsidized childcare, results can be disappointing. In Norway, for instance, even with significant financial support, the fertility rate has hit record lows, highlighting that economics alone may not be sufficient to spur population growth.

Intro

3min

Exploring Fertility Trends and Societal Challenges

15min

The Role of Men in Family Planning Conversations

4min

Reevaluating Birth Rates and Women's Roles

7min

Dark Narratives and Societal Implications of Motherhood

4min

Birth rates are declining around the world.

Why? And what can - or should - be done?

Tom Gatti meets authors Madeleine Davis and Anastasia Berg, who have both written on the changing attitudes to child-rearing, to explore the reasons behind these changes.

They discuss why financial, social and romantic circumstances are leading fewer people to have children, and what governments and institutions can or should do to address the issue.

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