Fertility Decline in High-income Countries: Socioeconomic Drivers and Cultural Resistance

Abstract

This study investigates the causes of declining fertility rates in high-income economies with
particular regard to socioeconomic and cultural context. Using comparative demographics and
recent studies’ data, the paper assesses the effects of women’s employment, urbanization,
economic precarity, and changing societal attitudes on fertility. Results show the coexistence of
advanced social policies and cultural frameworks that underpin deep-rooted resistance. The
analysis proposes policies aimed at mitigating the fertility decline while sustaining vital policies
regarding equity and autonomy.