Americans Are Having Fewer Babies Than Ever. What Can Be Done About It?
Digest
This podcast delves into the complex issue of the declining fertility rate in the United States, exploring its causes, potential consequences, and political responses. The first segment introduces Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) as a powerful platform for various business needs, highlighting its capabilities and successful users. The second segment focuses on the "baby bust," discussing the declining fertility rate and its potential implications. It examines the reasons behind this decline, including social and economic factors such as the increasing cost of raising children, changing societal expectations, and women's increased participation in the workforce. The segment also explores the potential impact of a shrinking workforce on the economy and social services. The final segment examines political responses to the declining fertility rate, focusing on the positions of both Democratic and Republican candidates. It analyzes their proposed policies, including tax credits for children and families, and support for in vitro fertilization. The segment also explores the role of immigration in addressing the challenges posed by a shrinking native-born population.
Outlines
The Baby Bust: A National Issue
This segment discusses the declining fertility rate in the US and its potential implications. It explores the reasons behind the decline, including social and economic factors, and examines the potential impact on the economy and workforce.
Political Responses to the Baby Bust
This segment focuses on the political responses to the declining fertility rate. It examines the positions of both Democratic and Republican candidates, including their proposed policies and potential funding sources. It also explores the effectiveness of existing child tax credits and the potential impact of immigration on the issue.
Keywords
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)
A comprehensive cloud computing platform offered by Oracle, providing a wide range of services for infrastructure, database, application development, and AI. It offers scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness for businesses of all sizes.
Fertility Rate
The average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. It is a key indicator of population growth and can be influenced by various factors, including social, economic, and cultural trends.
Baby Bust
A significant decline in birth rates, leading to a smaller population growth or even a population decline. It can have significant implications for the economy, workforce, and social services.
Tax Credits
Financial incentives offered by governments to encourage certain behaviors, such as having children. They can be used to offset the costs of raising children and potentially increase birth rates.
Immigration
The movement of people from one country to another to live permanently. It can have a significant impact on the economy, workforce, and social demographics of both the sending and receiving countries.
Q&A
What are the main reasons behind the declining fertility rate in the US?
The decline in fertility rates is attributed to a complex interplay of social and economic factors, including the increasing cost of raising children, changing societal expectations, and women's increased participation in the workforce.
What are the potential consequences of a declining fertility rate for the US economy and workforce?
A declining fertility rate can lead to a shrinking workforce, slower economic growth, and challenges in funding social services like Social Security and healthcare for an aging population.
How are political candidates addressing the issue of declining fertility rates in their campaigns?
Both Democratic and Republican candidates have proposed policies aimed at addressing the issue, including tax credits for children and families, and support for in vitro fertilization. However, the effectiveness and feasibility of these proposals remain to be seen.
What is the role of immigration in addressing the challenges posed by a declining fertility rate?
Immigration can help offset the impact of a shrinking native-born population by providing a source of labor and contributing to economic growth. However, the impact of immigration on the economy and social services depends on the skills and qualifications of immigrants.
Show Notes
This spring the U.S. fertility rate dropped to another historic low. And a potential American baby bust has become a campaign issue. WSJ Chief Economics Commentator Greg Ip answers your questions on the causes and consequences of the falling fertility rate in the U.S. And reporter Liz Whyte explains what policies the presidential candidates are proposing and how they may—or may not—make an impact. Charlotte Gartenberg hosts.
Further Reading
How America’s Baby Bust Became an Election Issue
Why Tech Elites Want Us All to Have More Kids
More Cash for Kids Is Popular. It Might Not Be Wise.
Suddenly There Aren’t Enough Babies. The Whole World Is Alarmed.
Why JD Vance Worries About Childlessness
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