Part 8/10:
Another influential factor in the fertility crisis is the gender-based differences in career trajectories following childbirth. Women often experience substantial earnings drops after becoming mothers, a disparity not seen to the same extent in men. In low-fertility nations, the majority of childcare responsibilities still fall to women, creating barriers for those who wish to balance career ambitions with family life. This imbalance suggests that women’s choices regarding motherhood are heavily influenced by their perceived economic prospects.