The Problem With... The Problem With Not Having Kids: Paul Morland
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Dec 23, 2025 In this conversation, Paul Morland, a British demographer and author, delves into the alarming implications of declining birth rates on our aging societies. He dispels myths about overpopulation, highlighting how cultural shifts and modern distractions deter family growth. Morland emphasizes the economic risks of a shrinking population and proposes policy changes to incentivize family life. He also discusses the role of technology and changing social norms in shaping our reproductive choices.
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Solve Housing, But Expect Limits
- Fix housing supply and regulations to make family formation affordable, and remove NIMBY barriers to building.
- But expect housing fixes to be necessary, not sufficient, for raising fertility.
Culture Overrides Material Fixes
- Modern culture provides countless satisfying alternatives and distractions that delay or replace childbearing desires.
- Cultural change, not just policy, is required to make having children desirable again.
Rebalance Taxes And Welfare Toward Families
- Reorient public spending and tax incentives to support young families instead of disproportionately privileging retirees.
- Consider targeted tax breaks and welfare shifts to remove penalties for people who have children.
