4 ms·
Most of history is subsistence farming economies. More people means more labor. It’s a pretty good ROI. And of course, lack of contraception. Plus with kids dyi
by oneoff786 4y ago
Most of history is subsistence farming economies. More people means more labor. It’s a pretty good ROI. And of course, lack of contraception. Plus with kids dying you need several to reliably end up with a few when you’re old.
In an urban economy kids are largely dead weight and expensive for two decades. The middle class dual income family isn’t typically looking for 3+ kids anymore.
- skwirl 4y agoThe fertility rate today in the United States is inversely correlated with income. The effects are not minor, either. As far as I'm aware, there's not much subsistence farming going on in the United States.
- oneoff786 4y agoThey are inversely correlated, yes, but the absolute levels of fertility American poor vs subsistence farming poor are much lower. It’s possible for the poorest people to have more kids than anyone while economic pressures also lower birth rates across the board.