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Poll Finds Strong Support For Larger Families Despite Falling US Birth Rates
The question of the declining birth rate in the United States has been weighing on many, including economists and those in the religious sector.
As more Americans reach the age of qualification for Social Security, the question of how to meet that demand alone has caused some to question what the future holds if American birthrates continue their current downward trajectory.
The current American fertility rate is roughly 1.6 children per woman.
A poll of Epoch Times readers found most believe that children are important, and also that the nation should look for ways to support family growth.
Importance Of Family
With a national average of less than two children per woman, readers were asked how they feel about family size.
A large majority of those polled, 87 percent, believe that having children is important to having a fulfilling life.
To add to that, 71 percent are concerned about the declining birth rates in developed countries across the world, but 63 percent agree that the belief that future generations will be worse off discourages people from having children.
When asked about the ideal number of children for a family, 35 percent of respondents said three children, 33 percent said four or more children, and 31 percent said two children.
When readers were asked how many children they either have, or ideally would like to have, 35 percent of respondents said four or more children.
Another 29 percent selected two children, and 27 percent selected three. Five percent said they would ideally have no children, while 3 percent preferred one child.
Religion And Values
According to Epoch Times readers, religion and values play a huge role in the decision to grow a family.
A whopping 83 percent of readers believe that declining religious faith contributes to declining birth rates. Even more, 89 percent, think that the decline of traditional marriage contributes to declining birth rates.
However, outside factors are also thought to be a major consideration. Fifty-seven percent of those polled think that the lack of support for parenthood discourages people from having children.