Boomers Panic As Birth Rates Continue to Decline
Developed countries the world over are scratching their heads at the sharp decline in birth rates. This phenomenon is unique in that it is not isolated to one country, one region, or one culture. Individualistic and collectivist cultures alike are recording birth rates under the “replacement” rate.
For those who are unfamiliar, for one generation to replace the next, each couple or family unit must have an average of 2.1 children.
If the average is higher than this number then the population will grow. If it falls under this number then the population will decline.
Where it wasn’t too long ago that we were concerned about overpopulation, many are now concerned that if fertility rates continue to drop that population decline will become a serious problem.
Why? There seems to be plenty of humans on the planet; if we just gradually had fewer of them what’s the big deal?
The most cited problems are economic in nature:
1) Declining Populations Are Less Economically Robust
Especially in developed countries, having more people means having a more active economy and thus, a higher overall GDP. The more people you have working, the more money is likely…
