Part 4/10:
A myriad of factors contributes to this dramatic decline in birth rates. While economic development was once believed to be the primary driver, the evidence suggests a more complex scenario. Unexpected examples, such as the case of Myanmar—a least-developed country experiencing sub-replacement fertility—highlight that poverty does not necessarily equate to higher birth rates.
Notably, recent studies point to individual desires for fewer children as a fundamental predictor of birth rates. Global trends show that across various cultural landscapes, people increasingly prioritize autonomy and self-actualization over traditional family structures, opting for relationships that do not necessarily lead to childbearing.