Decline in average family size

Question 1

Contraception –

Answer 1

Contraception – More effective safer and cheaper birth control has led to fewer children
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Question 2

Compulsory education –

Answer 2

Compulsory education – Children were banned from work and education became compulsory in 1880, this means they can no longer bring in money, but instead use much more. This means it makes economic sense to have a smaller family

Question 3

The changing position of women –

Answer 3

The changing position of women – Many women now want to have a career of their own rather than care for a large family, compared to before when women’s role was to do so.

Question 4

Decline in infant mortality rate –

Answer 4

Decline in infant mortality rate – Fewer people die in their childhood than ever before, this means that less families are compensating by having more children

Question 5

A geographically mobile labour force –

Answer 5

A geographically mobile labour force – The modern labour force needs to be very mobile. This is an incentive for smaller families because it makes it easier to just pack up and move elsewhere

Question 6

Changing values –

Answer 6

Changing values – Parenthood is a lifelong, stressful commitment, many couples are now deciding that they do not want childhood, whereas before this would have been a bad thing, it is now accepted in society as a norm