Question

Are falling fertility rates in Europe the decisive factor motivating the development of family friendly policies there? Why?

Answer 1

Falling fertility rates in Europe are a key motivator for the development of family-friendly policies, with the aim of addressing the economic and social issues arising from a shrinking and aging workforce and increasing dependency ratios.

Step-by-step explanation:

Falling fertility rates in Europe are indeed a significant factor motivating the development of family-friendly policies. This demographic trend is concerning for several reasons. These include a shrinking workforce for entry-level jobs, an aging population with more professionals retiring, increasing pension costs with fewer young workers to support them, the need for more revenue to cater to the health care of a growing number of senior citizens, and cultural challenges brought about by increased immigration from those seeking employment opportunities.

In response to these challenges, European nations have implemented a range of measures to encourage larger families. This includes offering financial incentives, establishing policies to penalize restrictive practices like abortion, and addressing barriers to women's education and economic independence. These policies aim to stabilize or increase fertility rates to ensure a sustainable economic and social future.

The decline in family size in Europe is also influenced by broader global trends. Advances in female education and economic opportunities, gender equality, family planning, and access to contraception have all contributed to lower birth rates. Additionally, societal factors, such as concerns about climate change and global unrest, have led many couples to postpone or decide against having children.

Overall, while falling fertility rates pose a challenge, Europe's family-friendly policies aim to create a supportive environment for couples to have children, thus addressing the potential economic and societal issues that come with a declining birth rate.

Answer 2

The correct answer is:

Yes, the falling fertility rates in Europe are a decisive factor motivating the development of family friendly policies.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the research project Falling Fertility Rates: New Challenges to the Welfare State carried out in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by Allison E. Vos in the Department of Political Science, it has been found that in order to increase the fertility rates, the family friendly policies motivate citizens to make the decision of having children. According to the study, nowadays the rates have decreased considerably due to the lifestyle of the new world.

Some years ago, it was common to find inside the families' organization that men and women played different roles. Men were the ones encouraged of bringing food to the table and protecting the family with all the supplies, while women were the ones who stayed at home and took care of the house, husband and children necessities. Nowadays, those roles have changed, the majority of the individuals inside the society study and work, that is why the model has changed significantly and the birth rates have decreased.