I believe the low birth rates among higher earners has to do with the simple fact that high earners are more carrier oriented (for various reasons). It's hard t

I believe the low birth rates among higher earners has to do with the simple fact that high earners are more carrier oriented (for various reasons). It's hard to educate yourself and bring up children at the same time (my wife is currently there). Anecdotally, a friend just recently failed her (unpaid) PhD because in France (where she lives) in her field you have 4 years to finish. She is Middle-eastern, and she decided to have two children during that period. Some countries (take Cuba for instance) have little consumerism but their birthrate remains low (dysfunctional economy + educated population).