Fertility Decline in Finland – Causes and Consequences : Research into reasons of long term fertility decline and discussion starting point to define future implications.
Hartomo, Sonja (2014)
Hartomo, Sonja
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
2014
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2014101014634
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2014101014634
Tiivistelmä
Today the average age of the population in many countries is increasing due to low fertility rates. In order to maintain the current age structure, the fertility rate should be at a regeneration level of 2.1. An ageing population has an impact on a country’s economy in terms of increasing health care costs, higher taxation, a greater dependency ratio, a shortage of workers, and potentially changes the economic structure as higher demand for goods from the elderly coupled with their pension savings will influence capital investments.
There are two main methods for analysing the causes of low fertility. The first is a structural approach, where female education and participation in the labour market have increased alongside policy changes in relation to employment and economic conditions. The second approach is focused on understanding cultural factors, taking into consideration changing values and attitudes towards increased female independency. In Finland the 2014 fertility rate is just 1.78 and has been steadily declining since the WWII baby boom years. Post-WWII fertility decline can be explained partially through structural changes; however, the biggest effects have come from cultural changes. In order to avoid further fertility decline, and greater population ageing, the labour market should be restructured with a focus on gender balance and greater financial subsidies from the government to families. The deficit in the labour force in the short term can be compensated with migration, although in the long term this is not a sustainable solution.
There are two main methods for analysing the causes of low fertility. The first is a structural approach, where female education and participation in the labour market have increased alongside policy changes in relation to employment and economic conditions. The second approach is focused on understanding cultural factors, taking into consideration changing values and attitudes towards increased female independency. In Finland the 2014 fertility rate is just 1.78 and has been steadily declining since the WWII baby boom years. Post-WWII fertility decline can be explained partially through structural changes; however, the biggest effects have come from cultural changes. In order to avoid further fertility decline, and greater population ageing, the labour market should be restructured with a focus on gender balance and greater financial subsidies from the government to families. The deficit in the labour force in the short term can be compensated with migration, although in the long term this is not a sustainable solution.