The world is not on a path of unrestrained demographic growth… people all over the world have hit the brakes.

Low Fertility Rates – Just a Phase?

by Michael S. Teitelbaum, Jay Winter

Government policies must adjust to sharp worldwide decline

 in fertility rates

The phenomenon of women delaying childbirth and limiting family size to two children or less is gaining traction worldwide. 

Low fertility rates can deliver prosperity for individuals, but disrupt patterns of economic growth. 

Some countries compensate for low fertility rates with immigration, which brings its own set of worries. 

Changing population patterns influence the world in complex ways for generations to come, suggest demographer Michael S. Teitelbaum and historian Jay Winter, authors of The Global Spread of Fertility Decline: Population, Fear, and Uncertainty. 

Emerging cultural trends, quests for equality or resources, can spur new tensions and political movements. 

Teitelbaum and Winter conclude, 

“Much depends upon whether or not political elites and governments adopt policies based upon an informed understanding of the powerful and interconnected demographic, economic and political forces underway today.”

 – YaleGlobal


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Read more: yaleglobal.yale.edu/