How can declining birth rates affect cities?
This article is also available here in Spanish.

How can declining birth rates affect cities?

My list

Author | Jaime Ramos

Birth rates and the demographic effects of the same have a crucial impact on our current lifestyle model. Cities are active settings that come up against and tackle numerous associated challenges, such as the presence or not of children and ageing. In fact, some experts are also contemplating whether we are heading towards cities without children.

The global drop in birth rates

Overpopulation has been threatening us for decades. Although it is not the only variable, this demographic situation has become a decisive agent in the drop in birth rates. The first world phenomenon has gradually spread to other regions.

The U.S. birth rate has dropped by 19% since 2007. In China, the authorities have changed their policy and now allow families to have up to three children. According to its population census, the country has a negative population growth, losing roughly 400,000 people every year. At the end of the century, the World Economic Forum estimate is that it will lose between 600 and 700 million, i.e., half its population.

South Korea, Japan, Italy and Spain head the list of large nations with the fewest births, standing at around seven per one thousand inhabitants. The phenomenon is even more intense in cities.

Why are birth rates declining?

It is undeniable that our species is facing a demographic transition. Interestingly, the structural reasons are more common in urban areas. On the one hand, fertility increases at the same rate as its associated problems. However, the number people voluntarily choosing not to have children or voluntary childlessness is increasing too.

What is the childfree movement?

These terms refer to people who do not wish to have children; and in general, all organizations that support non-procreation.

This trend has led to numerous debates in recent years by those who question the excesses of its legitimacy (such as encouraging hatred and discrimination against children, in contrast to many defenders, who argue that procreation is a classic social alienation instrument. The COVID-19 crisis, apart from accelerating the drop in birth rates, accentuated this form of divisiveness.

Whatever the case, an increasing number of people do not wish to have children. This group has led to the escalation of another urban trend that we have been experiencing for decades. The segregation of urban areas based on the population type. Childfree groups tend to be drawn towards metropolitan areas.

Towards cities with fewer children

The intentions of those who do not want to have children is having a significant impact on birth rates and on cities. It is estimated that, if declining birth rates continue as they are now, the population of Manhattan will drop by half in just 30 years. The conflict between freedom and necessity is nearing. Many urban centers are greatly concerned with reversing birth rates. These include Singapore or Japan. There, the authorities consider it to be a demographic crisis and they fear significant economic effects.

The fear of living in cities without children comes with the uncertain sustainability of public services with an ageing population. However, at a micro level, experts are not so sure that it poses psychological challenges or wellbeing and/or loneliness issues for childless seniors.

Nevertheless, these trends must not be confused with due child protection. Although urban extinction may be a threat to them, children have an immeasurable positive value for cities.

Images | Freepik/freepik and Freepik/rawpixel.com

Related Content

Recommended profiles for you

JS
joao silva
IAAC
Student
YP
Yolanda Pérez
ESDAP
Student
AB
Anna Bueno
Turisme de Barcelona
Association Meetings Manager
FG
Fabiola Guillen
Resilient Cities Network
IA
Iqbal AHMED
Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives
SE
Sigrid Ehrmann
EIT Urban Mobility
JR
Juan Rangel
EY
Senior Consultant
TV
Tracy Vaughan
Embassy of Canada in the Hague
Trade Program Assistant
SC
Sandra Carreras
Government
Administration
MK
Michael Koks
Townlans
Director
MV
Meritxell Valladares Vidiella
Institut Municipal de Persones amb Discapacitat (Ajuntament de Barcelona)
Senior Management Assistant
AA
Abdulaziz Almogren
SILZ
CF
Centrum Kultury Falana
Ośrodek Kultury
PM
Parisa mirjalili
Tariat modares
MB
Mark Bryan
Future Today Institute
RK
Riddhima Khedkar
IES College of Architecture
Assistant Professor
BM
Bekki Missaggia
American Planning Association
LMS Manager
EY
Emily Yates
City of Philadelphia
I sit withing the Office of Innovation and Technology and report to the Deputy CIO
VC
Verstuyft Chris
Autag Technology Europe BV
Bringing together Taiwanese medindustry biotech org with EU companies, startups, scaleups, spinoffs
IB
Ivana Benda
AAI Architects International Inc.
Director, Senior Designer
Only accessible for registered users
This content is available only for registered users