Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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6 UCW MAY 30-JUNE 5, 2018 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Last year, the U.S. birth rate was just over 60 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. MARGARET DICKSON, Columnist. COMMENTS? Edi- tor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910-484-6200. e baby boom generation, those Americans born between 1946 and 1964 to parents in recovery from World War II and anxious to start their "real lives," changed everything. e largest generation in American history required new schools at every turn, from elementary through college. When we got to college and out into the workplace, we changed American culture. We wore our hair long and our skirts short. We protested for equal rights for minorities and women. We were having none of the traditional mores about sex and marriage, and – for better or for worse – succeeding generations have followed suit. For the most part, we pre- sided over strong economies as our nation solidified what we have come to think of as our rightful place in the world. We boomers did all this, in part, because there were so many of us, the largest genera- tion in American history – until we weren't. Statistics vary, of course, but millennials – sometimes called the Echo Generation as chil- dren of the boomers – will out- number boomers by next year, if not before. So what, you may ask. Isn't that the way the world works? Yes, but there is a problem. Millennials are not yet reproducing themselves in sufficient numbers to keep the American economy humming steadily along, and it appears they never will. e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics reported earlier this month that the number of babies born in the United States is at a 30-year low after falling for three years in a row. e birth rate is lowest for women aged 30 and under, historically the ages at which women most frequently become mothers. Women 30 and up are having babies, but starting later often means a woman will have fewer children. Last year, the U.S. birth rate was just over 60 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. Needless to say, boomer women are long out of the baby business. Industrialized nations in Europe and Asia have long grappled with declining birth rates, resulting in aging populations and slowing economies. Fewer young people mean fewer workers contributing to the economy, with the last boomers reaching 65 in 2029. Remaining boomers will not be contributing to economy at levels anywhere near what they reached during their primes – if they contribute at all. In addition, they buy fewer homes, cars, cloth- ing and everything else than younger people do. Compounding the decline in birth rates is a decline in immigration. For many reasons, including political pol- icy decisions, numbers of immigrants coming to the United States is also declining and impacting our economy and our birth rate. While the U.S. economy has grown an average of three percent annually since WWII, it has not met that level since 2005. e Federal Reserve predicts 2.7 percent growth this year and 2.4 percent for 2019. "e Handmaid's Tale" aside, we cannot make women have babies. It is one of life's most private decisions, and its timing depends on parents' unique circumstances. Economists suspect the Great Recession has delayed parent- hood for some and is also keeping families smaller. In short, it is a complicated issue with diverse causes and ramifications spanning generations. It is fair to say, though, that public policy at all levels and in many different areas is critically important to families, including access to health care and child care. Like mil- lions of American families, both Dick- son parents worked full time when the Precious Jewels were growing up, and we simply could not have done that without safe and reliable childcare. Demographics are trends, not events, and the United States' birth rate is clearly on a downhill slope. Our policy makers must think strategically, not reactively, to keep our economy humming despite fewer workers in the pipeline. Heaven forbid that we become a nation where De- pends outsell Pampers. Japan has already reached that benchmark with an aging population and a slowing economy. You know there is a problem when adult diapers outsell baby diapers by MARGARET DICKSON OPINION one year special $ 15 for UP & CoMING WEEKLY rEadErs oNLY you save 89% off Tv GuIDe MaGaZINe Get A GreAt DeAL from tV GuiDe mAGAzine start Your subscription online, By Mail or Call online: tvguidemagazine.com/newsoffer mail: complete order form below call: 1-800-365-1940 WHeN CaLLING use PRoMo: K6fNsWPZZ Every issue delivers inside scoop on your favorite shows Breaking news keeps you in the know Highlights help guide you to what's worth watching Your favorite stars take you behind the scenes 28 Pages of easy-to-use primetime listings GrEaT rEasoNs To sTarT YoUr sUBsCrIPTIoN