| "I really don't see how that is so. With rise of living standards people are more likely to have a child because they know they can financially afford it."
I agree that it sounds like common sense, but this is just not what is happening around the world. There is a demographic implosion, and it is only happening in developed countries. So I believe that the reasons behind the problem have to be somehow linked to the material conditions brought about a successful market economy.
For exemple, rise of living standards means more than just "more monies for the familly". It means that the male and female are more likely to experience a career, which will incite them to have a smaller familly latter in life.
Also, higher standards means higher prices for education and housing, which is another important incentive that work against the concept of a large familly. |