Part 5/10:
While many argue that child-rearing costs deter people from having children, substantial financial incentives have proven ineffective. In Taiwan, a $3 billion initiative to boost birth rates showed no success, mirroring a similar trend in France where 4% of GDP is spent on pro-natal measures. These examples highlight that dollars spent do not necessarily translate into increased birth rates, hinting at deeper social and cultural issues at play.
The Changing Narrative
Historically, overpopulation was a prevalent concern, with figures like Thomas Malthus warning of food shortages and societal collapse due to population growth. Today, however, the narrative has shifted dramatically to one of underpopulation, especially in countries experiencing alarmingly low birth rates.