Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Why are People Having Fewer Kids? Perhaps it's because they don't like them very much
Reason ^ | February 26, 2008 | Ronald Bailey

Posted on 02/27/2008 7:06:01 AM PST by Uncledave

Why are People Having Fewer Kids?

Perhaps it's because they don't like them very much.

Ronald Bailey | February 26, 2008

The "demographic winter" is coming. So warns a new documentary of the same name. What is the demographic winter? The phrase, according to the film's promotional materials, "denotes the worldwide decline in birthrates, also referred to as the 'birth dearth,' and what that portends." The first half of Demographic Winter was previewed at the conservative Heritage Foundation a couple of weeks ago. According the film, the demographic winter augurs little good, e.g., economic collapse and social deterioration. If current trends continue world population should begin a steep decline sometime around the middle of the 21st century. Why?

Because total fertility rates (TFRs) are plummeting around the world. Population stability is achieved when each woman bears an average of 2.1 kids over the course of her lifetime—one for her, one for her male partner, and a little overage to make up to childhood deaths. Today, there are sixty countries in which TFRs are below 2.1. For example, the European Union's TFR is 1.5 and no EU member state has a TFR at replacement or above. Even high population developing countries have seen steep declines in fertility. Since 1970, China's TFR fell from 5.8 to 1.6; India's from 5.8 to 2.9; Indonesia from 5.6 to 2.4; Japan's from 2.0 to 1.3; Mexico's from 6.8 to 2.4; Brazil's from 5.4 to 2.3; and South Africa's from 5.9 to 2.7. The U.S. TFR dropped from 2.55 in 1970 to around 2.1 today, largely because of the influx of higher fertility immigrants. However, the fertility of second generation Americans drops to the level of longer established Americans.

I doubt that the "demographic winter" portends economic collapse or social deterioration, but let us set that aside for this column, and instead ask why people are choosing to have fewer children? After all, voluntary childlessness seems to violate the Darwinian premise that our genes dispose us, like all other creatures, to try to reproduce.

However, demographic data are undercutting the notion that there is some kind of sociobiological nurturing imperative, economist and demographer Nicholas Eberstadt noted during the question period following the documentary. As evidence, he pointed to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where 30 percent of women are childless and that Hong Kong's TFR has been below 1 birth per woman for at least a decade.

Demographic Winter asserts that "every aspect of modernity works against family life and in favor of singleness and small families or voluntary childlessness." And surely they are right. Modern societies offer people many other satisfactions and choices outside of the family. In particular women find that their time becomes more highly valued in occupations outside the home. There are no iron laws of demography, but one that comes pretty close is that the more educated women are, the fewer children they tend to have. Eberstadt also noted the best predictor of fertility levels is the desired family size as reported by women. And finally, the most profound event of the 20th century may have been the sexual revolution's drive toward gender equality, enabled by modern contraception. Unlike other creatures, people can have the fun of sex without the side effect of parenthood.

So, modernity essentially transforms children from capital goods that produce family income into consumption items to be enjoyed for their own sakes, more akin to sculptures, paintings, or theatre. But that's just the problem—according to happiness researchers, people don't really enjoy rearing children.

"Economists have modeled the impact of many variables on people's overall happiness and have consistently found that children have only a small impact. A small negative impact," reports Harvard psychologist and happiness researcher Daniel Gilbert. In addition, the more children a person has the less happy they are. According to Gilbert, researchers have found that people derive more satisfaction from eating, exercising, shopping, napping, or watching television than taking care of their kids. "Indeed, looking after the kids appears to be only slightly more pleasant than doing housework," asserts Gilbert in his bestselling, Stumbling on Happiness (2006).

Of course, that's not what most parents say when asked. For instance, in a 2007 Pew Research Center survey people insisted that their relationships with their little darlings are of the greatest importance to their personal happiness and fulfillment. However, the same survey also found "by a margin of nearly three-to-one, Americans say that the main purpose of marriage is the 'mutual happiness and fulfillment' of adults rather than the 'bearing and raising of children.'"

Gilbert suggests that people claim their kids are their chief source of happiness largely because it's what they are expected to say. In addition, Gilbert observes that the more people pay for an item, the more highly they tend to value it and children are expensive, even if you don't throw in piano lessons, soccer camps, orthodonture, and college tuitions. Gilbert further notes that the more children people have, the less happy they tend to be. Since that is the case, it is not surprising that people are choosing to have fewer children. And if people with fewer children are happier, then people with no children must be happiest, right? Not exactly, but the data do suggest that voluntarily childless women and men are not less happy than parents. And they sure do have more money to squander as they try to pursue what happiness they can and strive to somehow fill up their allegedly empty lives.

Disclosure: My wife and I try not to flaunt our voluntarily childless lifestyle too much.

Ronald Bailey is reason's science correspondent. His most recent book, Liberation Biology: The Scientific and Moral Case for the Biotech Revolution, is available from Prometheus Books.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: birthrates; children; demographics; family
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 121-140141-160161-180 ... 301-316 next last
To: najida
Well, my attitude is those who are great parents should have as many kids as they want and can have. Good parents are a joy to see and their kids are a blessing.

And good parents are few and far between. I have more friends who seem to do all the wrong things, when they do anything at all. I don't mind misbehavior and tantrums. I mind when the parent ignores all the signs that a tantrum is coming, and then rewards it when it happens because that's the fastest way to shut the kid up and make it go away.

And I try to befriend their kids, but I sortof resent their attention starved children glomming on to me because I might give them the time of day.

I've got some friends who are terrific parents. And it's not that they intended to be great parents, some didn't plan on being parents at all... but when they were, they stepped up to the plate and said "this is my life now", not "well, this is a damn inconvenience". Attitude and investment in the outcome, not just the 'getting through it' makes all the difference in the world.

I don't have kids... and I happen to think I'd be a great parent. It just didn't work out that way for me, and even now that I'm finally married, we just don't think it's what we want to do. I'm forty now. We have a life that's working, and plenty of refugee pets to nurture. Somebody has to do it.

Personally, I don't mourn that there are fewer kids. The place is getting crowded. Traffic on the freeway indicates to me there's plenty of people left. We are not endangered. :~)

Yes, FReepers are a judgmental lot. Even the minority view ;~)

141 posted on 02/27/2008 9:37:37 AM PST by HairOfTheDog
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 122 | View Replies]

To: dragnet2
Kids? I don't know who in the working class can afford kids...Gas over $3.25 a gallon, food through the roof, affordable housing all but non existent, and health cost/insurance...We wont even mention that....

We can afford kid and we can afford for me to stay home to care for them.

What we can't afford are new cars, eating out, going to the beauty parlor, expensive clothes, vacations, etc.

Picking priorities.

142 posted on 02/27/2008 9:38:18 AM PST by Marie (Why is it that some people believe everything that happens is the will of G-d - except Israel?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA

Well, that included when they settle down, but you’re right. I’ll change it to “You aren’t allowed to leave the county.”

:p


143 posted on 02/27/2008 9:38:57 AM PST by Politicalmom (Better a leftist Dem with energized GOP opposition, than a leftist "Republican" with no opposition.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 113 | View Replies]

To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA
Disclaimer: I love my kids, but really don't like too many other children. ;^)

I like all kids just fine... it's the parents I usually can't stand! ;-)

144 posted on 02/27/2008 9:39:59 AM PST by Marie (Why is it that some people believe everything that happens is the will of G-d - except Israel?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 56 | View Replies]

To: Yaelle
Please remember some of these things, childless people. It’s NOT always bad parenting.

I think most of us childless people understand this quite well. I myself don't usually get bent out of shape at when I first encounter a misbehaving child. I wait a bit to see how the child's parents react. If the parents are making a decent effort to deal with junior's behavior, I'm not really bothered. If the parents are ignoring the bad behavior or doing little to stop it (e.g. "Time out, Keighleigh, it's not nice to smash the pretty store display."), then I do get annoyed.

145 posted on 02/27/2008 9:40:13 AM PST by Huntress (“When you have to shoot, shoot, don’t talk.”--Tuco)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 86 | View Replies]

To: Politicalmom

Good rule. We’ve moved several times and I think my kids are very aware of the value of living near family. I hope they always live near us, or us near them.


146 posted on 02/27/2008 9:41:51 AM PST by WhyisaTexasgirlinPA (Even my tagline is sad....I can't stand ANY of the candidates!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 143 | View Replies]

To: Tijeras_Slim

LOL


147 posted on 02/27/2008 9:42:28 AM PST by martin_fierro (< |:)~)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: Huntress

i knew i had successfully parented my children when we were out somewhere and this sort of ungodly display would result with a kid having a tantrum etc, and my kids look at me and say, some chance we’d get away with that, you’d smack the crap outta us : )


148 posted on 02/27/2008 9:42:38 AM PST by xsmommy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 145 | View Replies]

To: Marie
I like all kids just fine... it's the parents I usually can't stand! ;-)

Good point. It is the fault of the parent when the child is screaming and being ignored, or whining and throwing a fit because it proves they have gotten what they wanted in the past with that technique.

149 posted on 02/27/2008 9:43:16 AM PST by WhyisaTexasgirlinPA (Even my tagline is sad....I can't stand ANY of the candidates!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 144 | View Replies]

To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA

I was forced to move away from my parents six years ago. For 35 years, I never lived farther than 3 miles from their house.

I almost have them talked into moving here.

My brothers are useless. My Dad went into the hospital and they didn’t even bother to visit.


150 posted on 02/27/2008 9:45:46 AM PST by Politicalmom (Better a leftist Dem with energized GOP opposition, than a leftist "Republican" with no opposition.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 146 | View Replies]

To: Uncledave

Great article but he couldn’t help himself. The last sentence said it all. Smug self centered jerk.


151 posted on 02/27/2008 9:47:34 AM PST by kinghorse (John "Yippie Kiy Yay..My Friend" McCain in 08)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Politicalmom

OH that’s sad. I have never lived closer then a three hour drive from my Mom since I married. But now that we’re back in Texas, at least I can get to her quicker if necessary. It would be nice to have Sunday dinners and quick trips for shopping and such - I never had that luxury.


152 posted on 02/27/2008 9:48:15 AM PST by WhyisaTexasgirlinPA (Even my tagline is sad....I can't stand ANY of the candidates!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 150 | View Replies]

To: xsmommy; Hoodlum91; Tijeras_Slim
yep that’s exactly the one i was referring to!! everyone was proudly beating their chests over which was best, based on their owning it. Slim were you on there, defining yourself via computer system? bc i know marteen was....

  http://www.proficiency2020.com/Images/bunny%20pancake.jpg

153 posted on 02/27/2008 9:48:41 AM PST by martin_fierro (< |:)~)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 125 | View Replies]

To: ThisLittleLightofMine
Wait until they get older, the state will take their money and determine the best care needed for them.

And when they die, all of the things they bought with their money, all of the pictures they've taken, all of the things that they've saved with go to who, exactly? Or will it all just wind up in a dumpster or on Ebay? In the past, a childless couple might have nieces and nephews to watch over them and to leave their things to. What happens when an only child has no children and no close relatives?

154 posted on 02/27/2008 9:53:55 AM PST by Question_Assumptions
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: Night Hides Not

Hang in there, Night Hides. Be consistent and loving and your efforts will bear fruit.


155 posted on 02/27/2008 9:57:19 AM PST by Marie2 (I used to be disgusted. . .now I try to be amused.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA
We’ve moved several times...

My parents did too, but I always found them.

156 posted on 02/27/2008 9:58:09 AM PST by Tijeras_Slim
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 146 | View Replies]

To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA

It’s been very hard, especially on my Mom. My youngest was born here, and Mom HATES not being as involved as she was with my other kids.

My brother’s family only visits when they need babysitting or want to use the pool. It can be three or four months between visits, and they only live 7-10 miles away.

It’s so silly, but I used to run in after errands just to kiss my Dad on the forehead or have a cup of tea with Mom.
I miss them.


157 posted on 02/27/2008 9:59:27 AM PST by Politicalmom (Better a leftist Dem with energized GOP opposition, than a leftist "Republican" with no opposition.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 152 | View Replies]

To: Tijeras_Slim; WhyisaTexasgirlinPA; Allegra; xsmommy; Jersey Republican Biker Chick

158 posted on 02/27/2008 10:00:14 AM PST by martin_fierro (< |:)~)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 156 | View Replies]

To: Clemenza

Well, you do get all the social security benefits.

Those of us who home school aren’t stiffing you to educate our kids.

And my brats do not scream in public.


159 posted on 02/27/2008 10:01:43 AM PST by Marie2 (I used to be disgusted. . .now I try to be amused.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 67 | View Replies]

To: Politicalmom

it’s not silly at all, it’s very sweet. my parents have both passed on, and i miss them too : )


160 posted on 02/27/2008 10:02:10 AM PST by xsmommy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 157 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 121-140141-160161-180 ... 301-316 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson