Modern Wisdom #962 - Lyman Stone - The Real Reason Birth Rates Are Falling
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Jul 3, 2025 
Lyman Stone, a demographer and family policy researcher, dives into the alarming decline in birth rates. He reveals how economic stress and shifting personal priorities are making parenthood feel daunting. Stone discusses the societal perceptions that influence fertility decisions and the discrepancy between desired and actual family sizes. He also tackles the evolving gender roles in family dynamics, highlighting how these changes complicate support systems for struggling parents. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of modern family life and the dynamics shaping our future.
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Walkability Debate and Families
- Lyman Stone shared how people disputed calling a Phoenix neighborhood walkable due to heat, contrasting it with cold Montreal's conditions.
- He explained walking is mostly to "who" (people) rather than "what" (places), reflecting family and kid-centric living preferences.
Density vs Crowding Insights
- High population density strongly correlates with lower fertility, but crowded living space rather than density alone reduces fertility.
- Dense single-family homes with adequate space and amenities encourage family growth more than tall apartment towers with open green areas.
Build Family-Friendly Dense Housing
- Build dense single-family homes like townhouses with tree-lined sidewalks rather than tall towers with open parks to encourage family life.
- Such housing meets family needs better and aligns with the types of neighborhoods with lowest vacancy rates and higher fertility.
