Lyman Stone, a demographer and researcher, dives deep into the reasons behind declining global birth rates. He discusses the correlation between marriage rates and fertility, highlighting how economic factors and lottery winnings impact family planning. The conversation explores evolving attitudes towards parenting, mental health concerns driving childlessness, and the complexities of financial stability in marriage. Stone also touches on the cultural landscape of contraception and how political polarization plays a role in fertility trends.

Lyman Stone, a demographer and future PhD in sociology, discusses the pressing issue of declining fertility rates in the U.S. and worldwide. He highlights how increased ages for marriage and first birth since 2008 have contributed to a fertility crash, countering the myth that it solely results from decreasing teen births. Stone also examines global patterns, emphasizing the striking gap between desired and actual family sizes in Africa. The conversation sheds light on the interplay of economic factors, cultural beliefs, and the implications for future societal dynamics.

Razib Khan talks to Lyman Stone, a demographer, about the history and decline of religion in America. They discuss the rise of religious 'nones' and the decline of social conservatives in the Republican party. They explore the uniqueness of America's founding and the separation of church and state. They also delve into the decline in church attendance, religious behavior, and nominal religious affiliation in the US.

Lyman Stone, a researcher renowned for his expertise in fertility statistics, joins for an eye-opening discussion. They delve into the surprising correlations between income and fertility rates, challenging the notion that wealth universally leads to fewer children. Insights reveal the complex interplay of culture, historical context, and economic factors influencing family size globally. Topics include the caregiving role of children, societal expectations around parenting, and the impact of educational attainment on fertility, particularly in Nordic countries.

Demographer Lyman Stone discusses the causes and implications of America's falling birthrate. Topics include the challenges of declining fertility rates, the impact of aging populations on Social Security, and solutions to increase birth rates through government policies and pro-natalism.