fertility rates Flashcards
what does a change in the number of babies born affect?
- the dependency ratio
- the family
- public services and policies
how is the family affected?
Smaller families mean that women are more likely to be free to go out to work, thus creating the dual earner couple typical of many professional families.
However, family size is only one factor here. For example, better off couples may be able to have larger families and still afford childcare that allows them both to work full-time
what is the dependency ratio?
The dependency ratio is the relationship between the size of the working part of the population and the size of the non-working (dependent) part of the population
how is the dependency ratio affected?
The taxes of the working population support the dependent population.
Children make up a large part of the dependent population, so a fall in the number of children reduces the ‘burden of dependency’ on the working population.
what is the burden of dependency ?
a high dependency ratio increases pressure for those who pay taxes and work
what is a result of a lower fertility rate?
vanishing children - fewer children
what is a result of vanishing children?
Childhood will become lonelier (no siblings)
Fewer voices speaking up for children’s interests (more childless adults)
however, this may make children more valued.
how were public services affected?
lower birth rate means fewer schools, maternity and child health services may be needed. It also has implications for the cost of maternity and paternity leave, or the types of housing that need to be built.
However, we should remember that many of these are political decisions so will vary based on who is in power.
have fertility rates increased or decreased?
decreased
what is the total fertility rate?
The total fertility rate (TFR) is the average number of children women will have during their fertile years.
15-44
why has TFR decreased over time ?
more women are choosing to remain childless. In 2012 1 in 5 women aged 45 was childless, this is double the number of women 25 years earlier.
women are postponing having children. The average age for having children is now 30. Older women are less fertile so produce fewer children
