The Canadian Birth Rate has said to have declined in the past 20 years. Discuss this theroy. Upon what reasons has this occurred?
The Canadian Birth Rate has said to have declined in the past 20 years. Discuss this theroy. Upon what reasons has this occurred? Sociologists across Canada, as in most industrialized countries, are concerned with the decline in the birth rate. A century ago, as families immigrated to Canada, maintaining a high birth rate was of primary importance for the growth and development of the country. A high population density was necessary for agriculture and industrial development. Children were used as a source of labour and because many babies did not survive to adulthood it was essential for these settlers to have large families. Throughout the 1900s, however, there has been a demographic transition in Canada. The average Canadian birth rate per 1,000 population was 21.6 in 1940, 27.1 in 1950, 17.5 in 1970 and 15.3 in 1990. (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Selected Birth, 1993:P32-33) While the early twentieth century had high birth and death rates, after World War I, birth rates declined. From the end of World War II to the mid-1960s, Canada experienced a ‘baby boom’ in which a great number of babies were born over a short period of time. Between the years of 1946 and 1964, 76 million children were born. (Barna, 1994: P.264) Since 1970 there has again been a decline in the birth rates. Many people including government officials, are concerned with these statistics. Why have there been so many radical changes? This research paper will focus on the phenomenon of declining Canadian birth rates. An overview of the changes in birth and mortality rates during the last fifty years provides an opportunity to examine the factors which have shaped the population decline. Socio-economic, political and technological factors are responsible for the decline of Canadian birth rates. On a socio-political level, several factors influence birth rates. First, fertility rates vary among different ethnic, religious and language groups, whose strong beliefs influence behavior. Some Canadian cultural groups such as Italians and Greeks do not accept cohabitation or single parenting (Baker, 1993: P.295). With these strict moral codes of values, opportunities for unplanned pregnancies are reduced. Those who do not abide to this code are made to feel shameful. Religious beliefs also have strong controls over people's behavior. Groups such as Mennonites, Hutterites and Mormons oppose birth control and abortions, and encourage large families because they view children as gifts from God (baker, 1993: P.176). Religious and language beliefs have influenced the behavior of French Canadians. Researchers state that the birth rate change in Quebec, during the 1960s, was due to cultural changes precipitated by the “Quiet Revolution”. This cultural upheaval occurred when the Catholic Church lost control over the Quebec population as society moved away from religion, placing more emphasis on occupational success for both men and women (Baker, 1993: P.177). Ultimately, there is great concern that francophones will become a smaller minority in Canada. Statistics Canada reveals that the birth rate per 1,000 population in Quebec, though above average with 26.8 in 1941 and 29.8 in 1951, has declined to 14.8 in 1971 and 14.5 in 1990 (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Selected Birth, 1993: P.32-33). More career oriented women remaining single or delaying childbirth are
also affecting the birth rates. Statistics Canada revealed that the number of marriages per 1,000 population decreased from 8.8 in 1970, 8.0 in 1980 to 7.1 in 1990 (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Selected Birth, 1992: P.17-18). Conversely, the average age at first marriage for brides showed an increase from 22.6 in 1971, 23.3 in 1980 to 26.0 in 1990 (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Housing, Family, 1993: P.17). A similar increase occurred with the age of grooms. Another relevant statistic to examine is women’s fertility rates. Women's fertility rates have decreased over the years. The mean age of Canadian women at ...
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also affecting the birth rates. Statistics Canada revealed that the number of marriages per 1,000 population decreased from 8.8 in 1970, 8.0 in 1980 to 7.1 in 1990 (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Selected Birth, 1992: P.17-18). Conversely, the average age at first marriage for brides showed an increase from 22.6 in 1971, 23.3 in 1980 to 26.0 in 1990 (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Housing, Family, 1993: P.17). A similar increase occurred with the age of grooms. Another relevant statistic to examine is women’s fertility rates. Women's fertility rates have decreased over the years. The mean age of Canadian women at the birth of their first child was 24.5 in 1950, 23.7 in 1960 and 1970, 24.9 in 1980 and 26.4 in 1990 (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Selected Birth, 1993: P.32-33 and demographic Analysis, New Trends, 1990: P.76). These trends show that women are delaying childbearing until they reach an older age. Finally, abortion is a socio-political issue which evolved into a highly controversial debate. Ultimately, this debate has led to the alteration of laws which impact upon birth rates. Statistics Canada revealed that the numbers of abortions performed in Canada was 30,949 in 1971, 65,127 in 1981 and 70,463 in 1991. In Nova Scotia, the number of abortions were 645 in 1971, 1,698 in 1981 and 1,812 in 1991 (Statistics Canada, Canadian Center, Therapeutic Abortions, 1991: P.2). In 1969 a “Bill on Therapeutic Abortions” was passed to allow an abortion in the event that the mother’s health was endangered (Baker, 1993: P.67). Though abortions are necessary in some situations, it would be unfortunate if Canada does followed the practices of some Eastern European countries where abortions are used as a chief method of birth control (Statistics Canada, Demographic Analysis, Fertility in Canada, 1984: P.54). Abortions, as well as other modern methods of contraception, decrease the birth rate by eliminating unintended pregnancies. On an economic level, there are two strong factors which contribute to declining birth rates. Foremost, with the movement of families to urban living, there was less need for large families to provide a source of labour. During the early 1900s, children in rural areas were expected to help with chores around the farm or get part-time jobs in the surrounding community which would supplement the family income. In urban areas, however, it was more difficult for children to get part-time work due to the numerous labour regulations. It was more expensive to provide children with food in urban areas, since families often did not own enough property to grow their own vegetable supplies and raise their own animals to provide meat products (Baker, 1993: P.335-338). This situation holds true today. If both parents are in the labour force, they are also faced with the cost of child care since they can not take the young children to work with them. Some parents feel that having fewer children allows for more family resources such as time, energy and money to be spent on each child, therefore, improving the quality of life for both child and parent (Baker, 1993: P.350). Another economic aspect influencing birth rates is that for Canadians to maintain their high standard of living, it is necessary for most households to become dual income families. This makes child rearing more difficult. Many dual income couples feel that they can not afford to lose one income when one parent is staying home during child rearing years, since wages do not usually rise with inflation levels. It is difficult for mothers to return to work after the birth of a child because they are hesitant to leave the baby with someone else and quality child care is expensive and in short supply. Mothers are also reluctant to leave the labour force for several years during child rearing because of the difficulty adjusting to the rapid technological changes at work and the continuing high unemployment (Baker, 1993: P.164). Therefore some couples limit the number of children they raise or choose to be childless in order to maintain the same standard of living. Technologically, new advances allow for safe methods of contraception which allow people to control or limit births. Prior to the development of the birth control pill women would prolong the breast feeding of a child to minimize the risk of becoming pregnant again. In the United States and Canada, laws regulating the birth control pill were challenged by medical professions, lawyers and women’s groups which resulted in the federal government legalizing the use of birth control devices. With the modern contraceptive methods available people usually are not delaying marriage but delaying childbearing. Most media concentrates on technology that prevents births. But, the medical society has recently become aware of varied causes for infertility. When some couples delay childbearing, it may be more difficult than anticipated to conceive a child. Infertility may contribute to feeling of guilt, anger, depression and marital disputes. Fortunately, technology has enabled some low fertility couples to reproduce. Women are resorting to the use of fertility drugs, salpingostomy surgery, artificial insemination or “in vitro-fertilization” (Baker, 1993: P.190). A controversial method for couples to have a child is through surrogate motherhood, but there are moral and legal concerns. Research should not only analyze new reproductive technology but also the prevention of infertility (Baker, 1993: P:189). The total Canadian population has not declined as drastically as the decline in birth rates. The reason for this is the decline in mortality rates, especially with infants. Because infants are surviving to adulthood, people are having smaller families. Infant mortality has decreased due to some social factors such as improved standards of sanitation, nutrition, living conditions, health care, inoculations and modern technological advances in most hospitals. (Baker, 1993: P.337, 340, 348) Socio-economic, political and technological factors, and the decreased mortality rates have all contributed to the decline in Canadian birth rates. There are two main consequences to this significant decline. First, there is a growing elderly population. With an increase in life expectancies and a decrease in birth rates a greater percentage of the population will be over 65 years. Statistics Canada revealed that the number of Canadians over 65 was 767,815 in 1941, 1,086,273 in 1951, 1,744,410 in 1971 and 3,169,970 in 1991. (Statistics Canada, Age, 1992: P.6) The elderly are perceived to have poorer health, therefore, there is a concern of the costs associated with increased medical care. Researchers predict that illness and disability will occur for a shorter period of time at the end of a person’s life due to “improved diet, increases emphasis on exercise and improvements in living standard’s” resulting in the future elderly being healthier (Baker, 1993: P.330). The second consequence that will result from the declining birth rate will have an impact on the younger generation. The percentage of younger people entering the work force will be small and unemployment rates will increase. Due to changing economical factors the older generation are remaining at their jobs longer. This presence of the aging population in the work force could cause intergenerational conflicts because the young are competing for positions that the older workers are maintaining. (Baker, 1993: P.330) Mandatory retirement was initiated to create more jobs for younger people by removing older workers considered to be less educated and less efficient with the technological changes. Many of the younger generation who can not find a career in their field are forced to work at home, thus eliminating fringe benefits such as pension plans. Planning for the future must take into consideration changing trends in the workforce participation, family formation, education and child care. (Baker, 1993: P.327) Critics say that it is important to have pension reform, especially for women. (Baker, 1993: P.311) Pension plans were based on the idea that each generation would be supported by the following generation. When the “baby boom” generation retires there will be a smaller “baby bust” generation paying into a pension plan. (Statistics Canada, Demographic Analysis, Fertility, 1984: P.11) As taxes are politically unpopular, where will governments get the revenue to cover the rising costs of Old Age Security? Besides, attending to the elderly population, the public has to focus some attention on children. Of particular importance is their education. Schools that based their funding on a large number of students, will have to change the formula as enrollment drops. (Baker, 1993: P.330) With fewer children being born, fewer schools are required. Funding then, could be allocated to assist with pension programs. Family formation and child care are also important factors to consider with changing population numbers. Canada, and in particular Quebec, has encouraged people to reproduce by offering family allowances, tax deductions or credits for parents with dependent children (Baker, 1993: P.150). For example, In 1945 universal mother’s allowance was implemented by the federal government. (Baker, 1993: P.172) With a large amount of the population entering retirement, it is crucial that government officials, in conjunction with researchers, begin to focus attention on providing different housing options, medical services and pension funds for elderly people. There have been some positive steps toward reaching these goals. Government and private agencies are encouraging elderly people to remain independent longer by developing home and community services such as financial aid for home alterations, visiting nurses, homemakers and meals on wheels (Baker, 1993: P.271). More effort is required though, to implement programs assisting family caregivers. For example, many mid-aged women who used to care for their elderly parents are currently unable because they have entered the work force. Also, a popular consensus is that we need to change the health system to deal with prevention, home care services and day hospitals to provide care at lower cost. (Baker, 1993: P.315) Based on Statistics Canada polls presented in this paper, it becomes clear that there has been a decline in the birth rate. No single issue has been responsible for this decline, but rather, the interaction of many different factors has had a multiple effect on altering demographic trends. Currently, there appears to be a balance in the Canadian population. Though there is a decrease in birth rates, there is a decrease in mortality rates. We should not have a false sense of security, however, that our population rates are under control. Statistics predict that there will be a large growth in the elderly population which will present society with some challenging problems. To meet these challenges, it appears evident that Canada has to reform pensions, emphasize preventive health care and provide incentives for alternative housing for the elderly so that there will be less demand for special care facilities. There are a number of other issues which will also need to be addressed. In the future, an aging ‘baby boom’ generation, will become a larger proportion of elderly who could acquire political power to demand improved services and facilities. Ultimately, a critical question raised by declining birth rates is whether it is a cyclical process. When there is a surplus of workers and stronger competition, the standard of living falls and people are hesitant about marriage and childbearing, which seems to be the trend at the present time. But, is society concerned about the economic welfare of our children’s future or are we just self-serving as Philippe Aries suggests. (Statistics Canada, Demographic Analysis, Fertility, 1984: P.64) Will society begin to have more children as work opportunities increase or will family size remain similar to present levels? It would be interesting to continue gathering statistical data for the next few decades and observe whether this cyclical trend can be verified. References 1. Barna, George. 1994. Baby Busters. Chicago. Northfield Publishing. 2. Baker, Maureen. Dryden, Janet, Consulting Editor. 1993. Families in Canadian Society: An Introduction 2nd. ed. Toronto. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd., 3. Statistics Canada. 1992. Age, Sex and Marital Status: The Nation. Ottawa. Catalogue 93-310. 4. ---. Canadian Center for Health Information. 1992. Health Reports. Births, 1990. Suppl. No. 14. Vol. 4. No. 1. Ottawa. Catalogue 82-003S14. 5. ---. Canadian Center for Health Information. 1992. Health Reports. Deaths 1990. Suppl. No. 15. Vol. 4. No. 1. Ottawa. Catalogue 82-003S15 6. ---. Canadian Center for Health Information. 1993. Selected Birth and Fertility Statistics, Canada 1921-1990. Ottawa. Catalogue 82-553 Occasional. 7. ---. Canadian Center for Health Information. 1992. Selected Marriage Statistics, Ottawa. 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