Fertility rates are declining globally due to a complex interplay of economic pressures, increased education, and shifting gender roles.
While many focus on women’s workforce participation, recent research highlights that the "collapse" often happens when societal and domestic gender roles fail to adapt to women’s expanding professional opportunities.
The Impact of Gender Roles
The "Double Burden": In countries where women have entered the workforce but men have not significantly increased their contribution to housework and childcare, women face a "double burden". This "mismatch" often leads women to choose fewer children or none at all to maintain their careers and wellbeing.
Lagging Cultural Adaptation: Nobel laureate Claudia Goldin argues that fertility drops most sharply in countries (like Japan and South Korea) where economic growth was rapid but traditional gender attitudes remained rigid.
The "Mating Gap": As women outpace men in higher education in many regions, a "mating gap" has emerged. This can lead to a lack of suitable partners who meet women’s expectations for shared domestic labor and financial stability, leading to delayed or foregone parenthood.
Male "Malaise": Changing expectations of masculinity can lead to confusion among young men regarding their roles, further disrupting traditional relationship patterns and family formation.
Other Major Drivers
Economic Constraints: High costs of housing, childcare, and general living make starting a family feel financially unfeasible for many.
Educational Attainment: Longer periods spent in education delay the start of childbearing years, often resulting in fewer children over a lifetime.
Reproductive Autonomy: Increased access to effective contraception and family planning allows individuals to align their family size with their personal and professional goals.
Biological Factors: Environmental pollutants and lifestyle changes have contributed to declining sperm counts and general reproductive health issues.
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