Countries like Japan, where decades of policies aimed at increasing birthrates have failed, reflect the broader challenges faced by many developed nations now grappling with shrinking populations.
Motoko Rich reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Despite efforts such as paid leave and childcare subsidies, Japan’s birthrate has remained alarmingly low.
- Other developed nations, including South Korea and Italy, face similar issues, with birthrates falling well below replacement levels.
- Governments may have limited influence over such personal decisions, as economic and cultural factors weigh heavily on whether families choose to grow.
Key quote:
“Cultural expectations are designed to fit a way of living that doesn’t exist anymore.”
— Matthias Doepke, economist at the London School of Economics
Why this matters:
Having kids isn't just about money or time off. It's about a cocktail of cultural and economic forces that influence personal decisions. And even if governments did manage to sway more people into having babies, we’re also dealing with modern health problems caused by pollution, chemicals, and our fast-paced lifestyles that are wrecking fertility, not just for humans, but for species across the planet. It’s a reproductive crisis that goes deeper than policy fixes.
Read more: Count Down: The infertility crisis.
Read more: Are microplastics invading the male reproductive system?
Read more: A new analysis shows a “crisis” of male reproductive health.
