Jonathan V. Last

Last's work is a bracing look at the fertility crisis in, not only Europe and the United States, but the entire industrialized world. He explores the tangled web of influences and causes, which seem to be ultimately a result of modernity itself, and which are very difficult to counteract with mere policy prescriptions.

From the pill and abortion, to the Welfare state urbanization, to secularization and economics, so many factors of the modern world conspire against family life and procreation. It's documented here both how these factors relate, and how they spell something very near to doom, if current trends persist.

A highlight of the book, as an Orthodox Christian reader, was his focus in the final chapter on the country of Georgia as one of the sole, recent success stories, in terms of fertility, thanks to the country's piety and Patriarch Ilia's promise to personalize baptize all children born to families who already have at least two kids. Evangelization isn't touted as a possible policy prescription, but it can be one!

In examining potential policy changes the one thing I would have been interested to see discussed more directly is propaganda. There are mentions of it somewhat tangentially -- like Singapore's "two is enough" slogan changing to "have three or more" -- and the failure of such campaigns to increase fertility (though they worked, in conjunction with discouraging policies, at lowering it.) Could white propaganda help at encouraging it?… (more)

I thoroughly expected to hate this book, given the general attitude of those who encourage young women to procreate for religious, economic, cultural, or social reasons. However, Last roots his arguments in economics, bringing in sociology and demographics, which I found to be a far more compelling argument that the usual downfall of the nuclear family and selfishness of young adults blame game. Last veers into the informal a bit too often for my taste, and his conservative political leanings do bleed through into some of his discussions. Still, it is a worthwhile read, especially if you are in the age demographic of child-bearing and tend to lean one way or the other.… (more)