Part 4/14:
Root Causes of Demographic Decline
Economic Barriers
One major driver of falling birth rates is economic hardship. Raising children has become prohibitively expensive, with costs for housing, childcare, education, and healthcare skyrocketing. In the U.S., the average cost to raise a child to adulthood exceeds $310,000, while real wages have stagnated or barely grown over decades. This economic barrier discourages many from starting families.
Social and Cultural Shifts
Modern lifestyles also contribute. Social isolation is more prevalent as community bonds weaken and digital connections replace face-to-face relationships. About half of Americans report having fewer than three close friends, and over 10% claim no meaningful friendships at all.