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Birth rates are declining. Should we be worried?
Oct 10, 2024
Jennifer Sciubba, a leading political scientist and demographer, discusses the alarming decline in global birth rates and its implications. Canada now boasts a record low fertility rate of 1.3 babies per woman. Sciubba explores the challenges of aging populations, particularly in countries like Japan and Italy. She critiques ineffective pronatalist policies that fail to address women's needs and warns against alarmist narratives that politicize reproduction. The conversation highlights the necessity of holistic approaches to family support and societal values.
22:01
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Quick takeaways
- Canada's record low fertility rate of 1.3 babies per woman highlights significant global concerns about economic and demographic stability.
- Efforts to incentivize childbirth often fail because they ignore the complex social and economic factors influencing family planning decisions.
Deep dives
The Shift in Global Birth Rates
Declining birth rates and aging populations have become a global concern, with several countries experiencing significant drops in fertility. This trend, which has evolved slowly since the 1960s, has recently gained attention, particularly highlighted by the world's population reaching 8 billion. Countries that previously faced overpopulation issues, like China, are now grappling with low fertility rates and aging demographics, leading to economic implications such as reduced taxpayer bases and increased government spending on healthcare and pensions. Examples such as Japan and its significant aging population illustrate the long-term effects of sustained low birth rates, as they confront severe fiscal challenges.
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