Fertility Decline Among Childless Married Couples in Japan

I explain in my thesis that there is a reason to suggest that besides marriage and singles, also childless couples are affecting Japan's fertility negatively. In regard to these childless couples, I try to answer the following question in my thesis: what factors influence Japanese childless married couples in their decision to remain childless, despite their wish to have children? Through making use of available statistics and insights of researchers like Higuchi, I conclude that from an economic/attitudinal perspective, it can be stated that the factors that influence Japanese childless married couples in their decision to remain childless, despite their wish to have children are varied. However, the vast majority of the respondents to surveys conducted by the IPSS, expressed that they are either too old, not healthy enough or physically restricted and therefore unable to have children. A smaller percentage of the respondents also expressed that it costs too much to raise and...Show moreI explain in my thesis that there is a reason to suggest that besides marriage and singles, also childless couples are affecting Japan's fertility negatively. In regard to these childless couples, I try to answer the following question in my thesis: what factors influence Japanese childless married couples in their decision to remain childless, despite their wish to have children? Through making use of available statistics and insights of researchers like Higuchi, I conclude that from an economic/attitudinal perspective, it can be stated that the factors that influence Japanese childless married couples in their decision to remain childless, despite their wish to have children are varied. However, the vast majority of the respondents to surveys conducted by the IPSS, expressed that they are either too old, not healthy enough or physically restricted and therefore unable to have children. A smaller percentage of the respondents also expressed that it costs too much to raise and educate children. Based on these results I state that economists and politicians should improve fertility among childless couples by focusing on creating policies that financially support them during the early years of their employment. This will generate a satisfying environment for childless couples to have children while they are young. This way Japan’s fertility is likely to rise again.Show less

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Fertility Decline Among Childless Married Couples in Japan