Societal Values and Individual Choice Linked to Declining Birth Rates, Analyst Suggests

New York, NY – Public intellectual Wesley Yang recently sparked discussion on social media by positing that declining birth rates reflect a societal shift away from collective commitments towards individualistic and "narrowly hedonic" values. In a widely shared tweet, Yang suggested that the burdens of childbearing may no longer be willingly undertaken by "rational self-interested actor[s]" without commitments transcending pure self-interest.

Yang's commentary highlights a growing concern among demographers and policymakers regarding global fertility declines. The worldwide total fertility rate has halved in sixty years, falling to below 2.5 children per woman, with many developed nations now well below the replacement level of 2.1. South Korea, for instance, recorded a rate of 0.92 in 2019, and England and Wales hit a record low of 1.58 in 2020.

Experts attribute this trend to a confluence of factors, including increased access to women's education and labor market participation, declining child mortality rates, and the rising costs of raising children. These changes empower women with more opportunities outside traditional family structures, increasing the "opportunity cost" of childbearing. Additionally, evolving social norms and the widespread availability of contraception contribute significantly to individuals choosing to have fewer children or none at all.

Yang's tweet specifically points to "three generations of recasting marriage and childbearing as personal choices that you make or do not make based on a rational self-interested, and hedonic calculus." This perspective aligns with observations that in many countries with low fertility, individuals often desire around two children but face societal obstacles, suggesting a gap between their intentions and actual family size. Some analysts note that highly individualistic societies, such as the United States, struggle to garner public support for policies that would alleviate the financial burdens of raising children.

The long-term implications of sustained low fertility rates include potential labor shortages, challenges to social security and healthcare systems, and shifts in geopolitical power. While some governments explore pro-natalist policies, their effectiveness is debated, with many emphasizing that successful approaches must prioritize human rights, gender equality, and address the root causes of declining birth rates rather than imposing coercive measures.