Modern Wisdom #834 - Lyman Stone - Why Is Everyone Having Fewer Children?
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Sep 5, 2024 
Lyman Stone, a demographer and fertility expert, dives into the surprising decline in global birth rates. He explores the connections between falling marriage rates and family size, revealing how winning the lottery can influence fertility differently for men and women. Stone discusses the paradox of reduced birth rates in affluent societies and examines the factors shaping modern family dynamics, including economic challenges facing young men. His insights illuminate the complexities surrounding contraception and societal attitudes towards reproduction.
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Lottery Winners and Fertility
- Lottery winners tend to have more children after winning, especially men.
- This suggests increased wealth doesn't lower fertility.
Cost of Raising Children
- People feel they can't afford kids despite rising living standards.
- This disconnect stems from rising expectations of what children need, not the actual cost.
Evolution of Parenting
- Mid-20th century parenting was largely outsourced (school, TV, church).
- This hands-off approach led to a breakdown in intergenerational values and the rise of intensive "parenting."