Final answer:
The decrease in the 1960s birth rate was due to factors such as women's workforce participation, birth control information, technological household advancements, economic security, and education of women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decrease in birth rate that started in the 1960s can be attributed to a variety of economic, social, and technological factors. With women entering the workforce in greater numbers, there was a shift in societal roles leading to smaller family sizes. Additionally, the greater availability of birth control information and advancements in family planning allowed for more deliberate decisions on when and how many children to have. Improvements in household technology and public services also reduced the need for large families, as the burden of household tasks lessened. Furthermore, as economic security improved, the demographic shift occurred, which saw fertility rates drop as the fear of infant mortality and needing children to ensure care in old age decreased. Finally, educating women emerged as a significant factor in reducing birth rates.