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You should have more kids — for purely selfish reasons
Bryan Caplan argues that people should consider having more children for their own enjoyment as well as for society’s needs. A new edition of his book says modern parenting has become more demanding than necessary, adding to the costs and effort that can discourage people from starting or enlarging families.
The article cites falling birth rates: US women have an average of 1.6 children, below the 2.1 needed to maintain population, while China’s rate is 1.0. Caplan points to research on twins raised apart to argue that genetics matter more than many intensive parenting practices to adult outcomes, and says ageing populations face labour shortages and rising pension and healthcare costs.
In short
- Caplan says having children can bring personal enjoyment.
- He argues modern parenting demands too much time and effort.
- US fertility is 1.6 children per woman, below replacement level.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Having more children can bring parents lasting companionship, meaning and enjoyment, while also helping meet the needs of ageing societies by supporting the future workforce and tax base. If intensive parenting expectations are overstated, a less demanding approach could make family life more affordable and allow parents to enjoy raising children without trying to control every outcome.
The case against
The personal rewards of parenthood vary, and they do not make having another child the right choice for everyone; the time, financial strain and care responsibilities remain substantial even with less intensive parenting. Population decline may create economic pressures, but treating children as a remedy for labour or pension needs risks placing social obligations on families and overlooking other ways to address those challenges.
Explained simply
Bryan Caplan is an American economist who has written about family life and the costs of raising children. His argument draws on research comparing twins brought up apart, which suggests that inherited traits play a significant part in some adult outcomes; how much parenting practices matter remains a subject of debate.
Birth rates have fallen in many countries. The figures cited here put the average at 1.6 children per woman in the US and 1.0 in China, below the roughly 2.1 level needed to keep a population stable without migration.
Smaller younger generations can mean fewer workers supporting a growing number of older people, putting pressure on pensions and health services. Caplan also says that expectations of intensive parenting may make raising children seem more costly and demanding, which can influence decisions about family size.