

The Enlightenment Was a Disaster - Johann Kurtz | Maiden Mother Matriarch Episode 112
13 snips Jan 22, 2025
In this episode, Johann Kurtz, a pseudonymous author known for his insights on historical fertility and social status, delves into intriguing dynamics between status and reproduction. He discusses how social hierarchies influence fertility trends, challenging traditional views of wealth and religion's roles. Kurtz also explores the Enlightenment's paradox, revealing its unexpected impact on birth rates. With compelling case studies from Georgia and South Korea, he examines how status shapes parenthood choices and critiques contemporary narratives around women's roles in family planning.
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Social Ostracization
- Johann Kurtz's wife experienced social ostracization after leaving a prestigious university course to have children.
- This personal experience inspired his essay exploring the link between status and fertility.
Economics and Fertility
- High-fertility countries are typically poor, while low-fertility countries are wealthy.
- Even within wealthy countries, poorer segments often exhibit higher fertility rates.
Religion and Fertility
- While religiosity correlates with fertility, it doesn't fully explain historical drops.
- American religiosity has grown over time, but fertility has consistently fallen since 1800.