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OP might be simplifying it, but changing values (shift towards individualism across the globe) and women's freedom of choice are one of the biggest reasons why

OP might be simplifying it, but changing values (shift towards individualism across the globe) and women's freedom of choice are one of the biggest reasons why people don't want to have kids across all researches that have been done. Cost of living, job security and etc. contribute as well, but it really just doesn't make any sense to have more than 2 kids, other than "for having a lot of kids" sake. And two children is less than replacement level. Also, as childless/1 child families grow old and retire, they kind of show how it's ok to live a fulfilling life without going through arduous pregnancy and etc. I'm not even talking about sacrificing minimum of 6 years of your life (pregnancy + first year of the child) to raise 3 kids. Culturally it's not celebrated anymore, you lose out on career progression, and since others in your age groups aren't having kids, you feel left out. These are very real problems that no government has been able to solve yet. The worse it gets, people will feel more guilty for prescribing their future child to a life that was worse than theirs. And the cycle continues.

thrance 2y ago
The issue I take with OP's point is that I'm pretty sure I heard Jordan Peterson or JD Vance use the exact same words "travel, party, drink" and use it to justify some heinous stuff like stripping women of their reproductive rights. I'm tired of seeing it repeated thoughtlessly with no critical thinking whatsoever. I believe if a government really thinks fertility rates are an issue, the only think it should do is make it materially easier for citizens that want kids but can't to have them. Any other policy I can think of feels incredibly authoritarian.
- tokioyoyo 2y ago
  Well, yes, I agree. But every government will try random things, and when it gets tough, they’ll take on the draconian measures. It’ll be interesting to watch China, South Korea and Japan in the next decade. Most governments are trying to see how they get out of this hole, and copy their implementations. I have no idea how they can fix it without rolling back contraceptives or women’s rights. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty. And the whole “travel, party, drink” isn’t as morally insulting as it used to be before. I think a good chunk of people in their 20s would wear that as a badge of pride, rather than whatever they’re trying to imply.

thrance 2y ago

The issue I take with OP's point is that I'm pretty sure I heard Jordan Peterson or JD Vance use the exact same words "travel, party, drink" and use it to justify some heinous stuff like stripping women of their reproductive rights. I'm tired of seeing it repeated thoughtlessly with no critical thinking whatsoever. I believe if a government really thinks fertility rates are an issue, the only think it should do is make it materially easier for citizens that want kids but can't to have them. Any other policy I can think of feels incredibly authoritarian.

tokioyoyo 2y ago
Well, yes, I agree. But every government will try random things, and when it gets tough, they’ll take on the draconian measures. It’ll be interesting to watch China, South Korea and Japan in the next decade. Most governments are trying to see how they get out of this hole, and copy their implementations. I have no idea how they can fix it without rolling back contraceptives or women’s rights. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty. And the whole “travel, party, drink” isn’t as morally insulting as it used to be before. I think a good chunk of people in their 20s would wear that as a badge of pride, rather than whatever they’re trying to imply.