It's Been a Minute Why are people freaking out about the birth rate?
Jun 25, 2025
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a staff writer at The New Yorker, joins to discuss the intriguing trend of declining birth rates. He explores how societal fears have shifted from overpopulation to a pressing need for higher fertility. The conversation digs into cultural influences on family size and critiques current pronatalist policies, such as financial incentives. Gideon advocates for a more optimistic view of humanity's future, emphasizing the value of individual creativity and diversity as key components in addressing these demographic challenges.
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US Birth Rate Drop Challenges Assumptions
- The U.S. birth rate has been declining since 2008 and hit a historic low in recent years.
- This challenges prior assumptions that population growth would continue unchecked and affects economic and political futures.
Economics Depend on Population Growth
- Economic systems like Social Security depend on a growing workforce to support retirees.
- Lower birth rates then strain these systems while increasing burdens on the working-age population.
Shrinking Populations Cause Inequality
- Shrinking populations lead to political instability and increased inequality as resources become scarcer.
- Examples include South Korea where public services like bus routes and education suffer due to fewer workers.
