Show Notes for S2E18 Interview w/ Demographer, Lyman Stone, on Declining Fertility Rates

by | Sep 21, 2024 | Anthropology, Demographics, Politics and Policy, Trends

Summary

Brian interviews Lyman Stone, a demographer who discusses the global decline in fertility rates and the relationship between fertility and religion. Lyman explains that religious people tend to have more children and provide more support to other parents in their community. However, he also notes that fertility rates are declining among both religious and secular people. Stone emphasizes the importance of community and social support in influencing fertility decisions. He suggests that religious institutions can play a role in supporting higher fertility rates by encouraging and assisting families, as well as promoting the benefits of having children. He also highlights the need for further research on the impact of housing and marriage policies on fertility rates. Brian and Lyman also discuss the practical implications of public policy related to family formation and expansion.

This conversation explores a wide range of factors that may be impacting fertility rates and family planning choices from economics to social norms to technology. This is an important topic but one full on nuance and ongoing research, with evolving trends still to be fully understood. This episode is not designed to answer all the questions but rather, add to the conversation in your community with the addition of a perspective you may not have heard before.

Takeaways

  • Religious people tend to have more children and provide more support to other parents in their community.
  • Fertility rates are declining among both religious and secular people.
  • Community and social support play a significant role in fertility decisions.
  • Religious institutions can encourage and assist families, as well as promote the benefits of having children.
  • Further research is needed on the impact of housing and marriage policies on fertility rates.

Notable Quotes:

  • “The fertility gap between religious and secular people is actually getting bigger and bigger.”
  • “Religious communities tend to invest in each other’s children because they see them as kin-like.”
  • “Religious communities efficiently sort people on sex and family values, which helps in marriage matching.”

Notable Segments

  • The Decline in Fertility Rates and Religious Participation
  • The Link Between Religion and Community
  • The Role of Community in Fertility Decisions
  • The Impact of Location on Fertility
  • The Consequences of Declining Birth Rates
  • The Challenges of Increasing Fertility Rates
  • The Role of Religious Institutions in Supporting Higher Fertility
  • Future Research Directions

To learn more about Lyman and his research:

This interview is just a conversation starter, I invite you to join in and share this episode with your personal and professional network. Listen to the interview, then give me your perspective. You can also find the latest show preview clips on my YouTube Channel. I encourage you to subscribe to the channel, share the clips and leave your comments.

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