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cover of episode Why we are having fewer children than we want

Why we are having fewer children than we want

2025/7/1
logo of podcast What in the World

What in the World
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Hannah Gelbart
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Stephanie Hegarty
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Hannah Gelbart: 联合国的一项全球研究表明，五分之一的人没有或预计不会拥有他们想要的孩子数量。主要原因是经济负担和找不到合适的伴侣。我们需要关注哪些国家受生育率下降的影响最大，以及他们可以采取什么措施来解决这个问题。 Stephanie Hegarty: 我认为生育率是指一个女性在其生育期内平均生育的孩子数量。这项研究的重点是生育意愿，即人们想要的孩子数量与实际生育数量之间的差距。经济原因是主要障碍，但社会期望和伴侣关系也很重要。政府的政策，如婴儿补贴，效果并不明显，重要的是解决深层次的经济和社会问题。

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Chapters
A UN study reveals that many people globally are not having their desired number of children, primarily due to financial constraints and difficulties in finding a suitable partner. The cost of raising children has significantly increased, impacting family planning decisions. The study highlights varying challenges across different countries.
  • One in five people haven't had or expect they won't have the number of children they want
  • Main reasons: cost of parenting and difficulty finding a suitable partner
  • Study surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries (mix of low to high income)

Shownotes Transcript

The United Nations Population Fund World has described the low fertility rates around the world as a ‘crisis’ . Their newest report shows that many people do want to have more children but the cost of raising them and not having enough time are bigger barriers than before. Finding an appropriate partner to have a child with is a struggle too.

The BBC’s Population Correspondent Stephanie Hegarty breaks down what’s in the recent UNFPA report. Plus she explains why it’s easier for countries to stop people from having babies, rather than helping them have more.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee-Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde