Question

What are some of the potential societal consequences of low birth rates in Europe?

Answer 1

There is no single explanation can be used for reduction in fertility and birth rate in European countries. There are several social, economic and cultural factors determine the decision making of individuals and behaviour of individuals regarding the family formation. Firstly, we focus on the economic factors. Labour market position drives two effects; income effect ad price effect. Income effect shows that getting higher education drives better job and higher level of income, this increase the attractiveness in marriage. So they planned the family efficiently. At the same time, price effect shows the opportunity cost between family and work. If women withdraw her participation in labour market to look after her family, there is higher opportunity cost for that reduction. Another economic factor is decision on having children based on the relative income. On the other hand fertility decline to the welfare state and social security arrangement. In European countries, there is a well planned demographic transition is maintained.
The social factors which contributed to the low birth rate and fertility rates are the higher level of education attainment, effective family planning, better standard of living etc. Postponement of child bearing is one of the main reasons for low birth rate. There is a high consumption aspiration leads an increasing female labour participation.
There is a rising trend in post materialist traits, like self actualisation, ethical autonomy, choice freedom etc. Most of the European people desired for maintaining an open future. And also there is increasing rate of probabilities of separation and divorce in the society.