Why People Stopped Having Babies (It’s Not Money) | Lyman Stone

Global fertility has officially slipped below replacement levels, putting humanity on an unprecedented downslope. But the real story isn't just about declining numbers—it is about the unraveling of modern social life. Demographer Lyman Stone breaks down why the global birth rate is crashing faster than predicted, dispelling common myths about career ambitions and economic hardship. The data reveals a far more sobering reality: people still genuinely want families, but our increasingly isolated, digitally mediated world is preventing them from ever finding partners. We discuss what is truly at stake when generational pyramids invert, why throwing generic government benefits at the problem repeatedly fails, and what role churches may have in addressing the decline.🔗 MENTIONS & RESOURCES Join the discussion: https://floreology.com Institute for Family Studies: https://ifstudies.org/⏳ TIMESTAMPS 00:55 Introduction to Demography and Family Planning 02:55 Global Trends in Fertility Rates 06:09 The Impact of Declining Birth Rates 08:50 Factors Influencing Fertility Decisions 11:51 The Role of Social Dynamics in Family Formation 14:52 Cultural Influences on Fertility Rates 17:52 Education and Employment's Effect on Family Planning 20:50 Lessons from International Examples 23:56 The Future of Population Dynamics 30:39 Democracy and Short-Term Interests 31:30 High-Impact Policy Interventions for Family Growth 36:16 The Role of Urban Planning in Family Dynamics 39:04 Religion's Influence on Fertility Rates 44:48 Churches as Community Support Systems 54:30 Hope for the Future of Family Growth🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW Floreology is dedicated to the science of human flourishing, and how it intersects with Christianity. Each week, we sit down with world-class experts to explore faith, science, and flourishing, to help you see the impact of Christianity on every aspect of human experience.📱 CONNECT WITH ME https://www.instagram.com/floreology/ https://www.facebook.com/floreology X / Twitter: https://x.com/simonussher🎧 PODCAST VERSIONS Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/floreology/id1888102939 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7585zSgny23cfx4vwRdeta📝 LEGAL & DISCLOSURES Some links in this description are affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. The content in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.