1. Family size and birth rates

Apuntes

1. Family size and birth rates • In the past, children were seen as economic help for the family. Today, this is no longer the case. • In modern societies, birth rates and fertility rates have fallen → families are smaller. • Reasons: contraception, women’s education and work, no need for many children to help at home. 2. Fewer children • Having children is expensive and not always seen as a benefit. • Couples usually have fewer children because: • Contraceptives are available. • People marry or have children later. • Many women want independence and jobs. • Small families give more freedom (work, travel, moving). 3. Life expectancy • People live much longer thanks to better hygiene, medicine, vaccines, and food. • This creates an ageing population: more old people, fewer children. • Consequences: • Grandparents often support grandchildren. • Adults take care of both their children and their elderly parents (the “sandwich generation”). • More loneliness among older people. 4. Having children later • Many women now have their first child after age 30 or even 40. • Reasons: studying, career, being financially secure. • Risks: pregnancies can be harder, grandpare...