Sensemaker Why are podcasters talking about birth rates?
Jan 22, 2026
Dr. Paul Morland, a demographer and expert on population trends, explores the contentious topic of declining birth rates and their implications. He discusses the economic factors, like housing costs and childcare, that deter parents. Cultural shifts toward delayed marriage and changing life aspirations also contribute to lower fertility. Morland warns about the potential consequences of an ageing population, from economic strain to social care challenges, while emphasizing the importance of personal choice amid these trends.
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Viral Podcast Clip Sparked Backlash
- Ada Barume recounts clips from Stephen Bartlett's podcast and viral social media lists about reasons not to have kids.
- The episode sparked accusations of promoting incel ideology and ignited a broader debate on parenting choices.
Global Fertility Is Falling
- The UK and many countries face declining birth rates driven by low fertility and economic pressures.
- The human population may crest this century and then begin to fall, shifting long-term demographic trends.
Pro-Natalism Is Politically Diverse
- Politicians across the spectrum discuss pro-natalism, but motives vary from economic to cultural.
- Right-wing voices often amplify population fears, but demographic debates occur widely.