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The Birth Dearth: What Happens When People in Free Countries Don't Have Enough Babies?
The Birth What Happens When People in Free Countries Don't Have Enough Babies?
192 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1987
49 people are currently reading
2432 people want to read
About the author
Ben J. Wattenberg
31 books33 followersJoseph Ben Zion Wattenberg (August 26, 1933 - June 28, 2015), known as Ben J. Wattenberg, was an American author, commentator and demographer. He was an aide and speechwriter to President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1966 to 1968, and served as an adviser to Hubert Humphrey's 1970 Senate race. Wattenberg was a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. He was appointed to various committees and commissions by Presidents Carter, Reagan, and George H. W. Bush, as well as by then-Speaker Tom Foley. Wattenberg died on June 28, 2015 from complications following surgery. Wattenberg's written works included: The First Universal Nation, 1991; Fewer: How the New Demography of Depopulation Will Shape Our Future, 2004; Values Matter Most, 1995; and Fighting Words: A Tale of How Liberals Created Neo-Conservatism, 2008.
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June 9, 2020The playbook neo-conservatives and right-to-lifers use to push their agenda of criminalizing abortions, increasing anti-woman and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
As is turns out, It's not a moral or a religious imperative, it's a fear-based numbers game in which they are scared of losing power in the next 30-40 years due to low birth rates.
Read it for free @ the internet archive as it's no longer in print (on purpose) to keep this information out of the public's hands.
https://archive.org/details/birthdear...
As is turns out, It's not a moral or a religious imperative, it's a fear-based numbers game in which they are scared of losing power in the next 30-40 years due to low birth rates.
Read it for free @ the internet archive as it's no longer in print (on purpose) to keep this information out of the public's hands.
https://archive.org/details/birthdear...
July 24, 2024
First of all: I want to say that if you want to read this book, either look on the internet archive or scribd (update: it can be found on libgen). It costs upwards of $500 dollars to buy.
Given the almost assured overturning of Roe v Wade, I thought this was... probably one of the most provident choices to read. I was sent to the book by a video of Jane Elliot, and while the views in this book are absolutely racist and pronatalist, they weren't quite as she described.
The author does take you through what he emphasizes to be *speculation.* About ten chapters worth of speculation, quantifying the risks economically, militarily, culturally, and spiritually, of not reproducing at replacement level. Essentially, the entire book hinges on the fear of "Western values" - which is basically his code for white supremacy - losing its power. He alleges that by 2100, "Western/Industrialized/Developed" nations will make up about 5% of the population, whereas second and third world countries will make up the overwhelming majority. Without demographic power, he explains, the Western values that have pulled the world into the modern era will be lost.
He also goes on to explain that we will not have the standing military to defend them, and we will have to rely on nuclear bombs. Our Social Security will be depleted because we don't pay for our own pensions, we pay for our parents' and grandparents', and it's not fair that people won't pay in *babies.* He further says (through some very cherry picked examples) that career driven women are unfulfilled, while simultaneously saying that childless couples are motivated by frivolous things. That they are depriving grandparents of their meaning for life, and they themselves of someone to take care of them. He adds that immigration is not a solution because Americans do not support it, and that heterogeneous racial mixing lends itself to tension. I'm sure he's not a fan of interracial marriage.
He explains the reasons for the "birth dearth," and what is most striking is that he includes the "perceived cost of raising a child" on the list. He says that contrary to popular belief, GDP is higher than ever. It is easier than ever to raise a child. It should be easy to afford a child. And then, in the practical solutions section, ALL - not one, not a section - ALL are monetary solutions. While bragging on capitalism, calling it the best system in the world, he then cites a certain group in Israel that have certain socialist principles, and therefore have birth rates that are above replacement level. For some reason he then goes on to say this is undesirable in America, but then goes on to propose very socialist measures like free childcare, employer driven childcare, paid maternity leave, tax credits for children, and so on and so forth. To be frank, these are good ideas in general. This is reasonable. In order to drive up the birth rate and drive down abortion, you have to make it desirable to have a kid.
Essentially, he undermines his entire point that capitalism is what keeps nations from devolving into, I don't know, third world countries that worship animals, in his own words. He extols the virtues of capitalism, then in the solutions section, literally invites all kind of socialist intervention. The amount of cognitive dissonance is absolutely fascinating.
At the same time, he tries to separate himself from the inherent racism in his beliefs. In fact, in his closing, he tries to say that they shouldn't be afraid of being called colonizers or racist - probably because he knows his beliefs are driven by the fear of being treated as white people have treated those of other races. He fears the subjugation and atrocities committed by his own race will be turned to him. He tries to say that the things he cites - like statistics on opinions on immigration, and the bit about racial mixing - are not his own opinion, but they are built into his own fearful ideology. He again tries to say that coercive practices like forced gynecological examinations, eliminating birth control, and making abortion illegal are "coercive," but he does acknowledge that they work. The contrast is a very heavy handed implication: look what we could have to do if you don't start reproducing. Don't make us do this. We will, but we're being nice now.
Given the almost assured overturning of Roe v Wade, I thought this was... probably one of the most provident choices to read. I was sent to the book by a video of Jane Elliot, and while the views in this book are absolutely racist and pronatalist, they weren't quite as she described.
The author does take you through what he emphasizes to be *speculation.* About ten chapters worth of speculation, quantifying the risks economically, militarily, culturally, and spiritually, of not reproducing at replacement level. Essentially, the entire book hinges on the fear of "Western values" - which is basically his code for white supremacy - losing its power. He alleges that by 2100, "Western/Industrialized/Developed" nations will make up about 5% of the population, whereas second and third world countries will make up the overwhelming majority. Without demographic power, he explains, the Western values that have pulled the world into the modern era will be lost.
He also goes on to explain that we will not have the standing military to defend them, and we will have to rely on nuclear bombs. Our Social Security will be depleted because we don't pay for our own pensions, we pay for our parents' and grandparents', and it's not fair that people won't pay in *babies.* He further says (through some very cherry picked examples) that career driven women are unfulfilled, while simultaneously saying that childless couples are motivated by frivolous things. That they are depriving grandparents of their meaning for life, and they themselves of someone to take care of them. He adds that immigration is not a solution because Americans do not support it, and that heterogeneous racial mixing lends itself to tension. I'm sure he's not a fan of interracial marriage.
He explains the reasons for the "birth dearth," and what is most striking is that he includes the "perceived cost of raising a child" on the list. He says that contrary to popular belief, GDP is higher than ever. It is easier than ever to raise a child. It should be easy to afford a child. And then, in the practical solutions section, ALL - not one, not a section - ALL are monetary solutions. While bragging on capitalism, calling it the best system in the world, he then cites a certain group in Israel that have certain socialist principles, and therefore have birth rates that are above replacement level. For some reason he then goes on to say this is undesirable in America, but then goes on to propose very socialist measures like free childcare, employer driven childcare, paid maternity leave, tax credits for children, and so on and so forth. To be frank, these are good ideas in general. This is reasonable. In order to drive up the birth rate and drive down abortion, you have to make it desirable to have a kid.
Essentially, he undermines his entire point that capitalism is what keeps nations from devolving into, I don't know, third world countries that worship animals, in his own words. He extols the virtues of capitalism, then in the solutions section, literally invites all kind of socialist intervention. The amount of cognitive dissonance is absolutely fascinating.
At the same time, he tries to separate himself from the inherent racism in his beliefs. In fact, in his closing, he tries to say that they shouldn't be afraid of being called colonizers or racist - probably because he knows his beliefs are driven by the fear of being treated as white people have treated those of other races. He fears the subjugation and atrocities committed by his own race will be turned to him. He tries to say that the things he cites - like statistics on opinions on immigration, and the bit about racial mixing - are not his own opinion, but they are built into his own fearful ideology. He again tries to say that coercive practices like forced gynecological examinations, eliminating birth control, and making abortion illegal are "coercive," but he does acknowledge that they work. The contrast is a very heavy handed implication: look what we could have to do if you don't start reproducing. Don't make us do this. We will, but we're being nice now.
July 22, 2021
The global population is increasing, the problem with Wattenberg is that not enough White children are born and the brown people are gaining on ”the free”. Free is just an euphemism for certain special Whites and their few allies, and the whole discourse is against freedom.
August 6, 2013
This book is very interesting it tells a lot about numero misconceptions genetic misconceptions and the fate of genetically recession albino people. On earth there is nothing so sacred that will not be destroyed in their quest for a European abstract future.
March 24, 2022
Usually I don't write reviews, but there was such a diverse rating on this book so I thought I might. Wattenberg is a little crazy, and he does think the Birth Dearth will cause major problems. After reading his book, I somewhat agree. Although, I don't think it'll happen for another 50-100 years. Some of his predictions have become correct like the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the decreasing birth rate in the US. His reasoning for the decreased birth rate also makes sense, and he includes a wide range of causes. What surprised me about this book was the solutions he posed. He is a libertarian, but he proposed more daycares for children at the parents place of work and government money sent to those parents. He does not want abortion to be illegal, even though he has his own opinions about it. He is also pro-immigration, which I did not expect. All in all, the guy can be a little crazy, but most of his predictions and ideas are sound. I recommend the book, and I am impressed that his predictions have held up after 40 years.
June 18, 2013
One of the earliest explicitly pro-natalist books, Wattenberg does an excellent job of laying out the problems with too few babies... and how we could address the problem.
This book was written in 1987, and so it's interesting to compare it to more recent pro-natalist books like "What to Expect When No One's Expecting."
This book was written in 1987, and so it's interesting to compare it to more recent pro-natalist books like "What to Expect When No One's Expecting."
Want to read
May 5, 2022Do I WANT to read this, no, big no. But I’m going to try so I can understand the fears.
May 11, 2022
Heard about this from a posting on CK's instagram so I did a quick read today. As a teacher at a Jewish school, it also intrigued me since the author is Jewish and conservative. BJW argues that the USA is on the way down because of the slowdown in number of births. Since this was written in '87, I checked the data on his predictions. BJW was solidly way off-base in nearly everything from babies per year to baseball mitt production. Whoever read this back then was thrown a doozy of BS by BJW.
He does provide a ton of data mixed in with politically conservative language and a liking for the Ronny Reagan types. Easy read in an hour but don't buy it, go find it for free.
He does provide a ton of data mixed in with politically conservative language and a liking for the Ronny Reagan types. Easy read in an hour but don't buy it, go find it for free.
May 12, 2022
Wildly interesting perspective and predictions.
August 18, 2024
Wattenberg exhibits a stagnant and fear-forward view of a society dwindling only to be overrun by immigrants and those living in third world countries.
His stance is pro-capitalism and pro-patriarchy. While he had an opportunity to partner the quantitative data to the qualitative stories of why people globally are having less children, he dismisses valid reasons presented on cost, environmental impacts, and freedom. Instead he shares condescending ideas on how women should have 3-4 children, ideally being stay at home mothers as incentivizing programs of paid parent leave, child care, and tax breaks "only allow for a woman to bear 1-2 children."
Further, it is interesting him highlighting conservative policy makers in the 70's considering overturning Roe v. Wade and limiting contraception devices comparing it to todays policy makers in following through on these very ideals. He outlines communist countries making abortion illegal and monitoring pregnant women to ensure the follow through of increased birth rates. He does not however, talk about the other variables that may impact quality of life for forced birth nations, solely focusing on increasing populations to stave off immigration concerns and again being over-run by third world nations.
Outdated stances that unfortunately are still seen within modern times. Evolution forward must occur versus going back if men fretting over the birth rate want to see sustainable change.
His stance is pro-capitalism and pro-patriarchy. While he had an opportunity to partner the quantitative data to the qualitative stories of why people globally are having less children, he dismisses valid reasons presented on cost, environmental impacts, and freedom. Instead he shares condescending ideas on how women should have 3-4 children, ideally being stay at home mothers as incentivizing programs of paid parent leave, child care, and tax breaks "only allow for a woman to bear 1-2 children."
Further, it is interesting him highlighting conservative policy makers in the 70's considering overturning Roe v. Wade and limiting contraception devices comparing it to todays policy makers in following through on these very ideals. He outlines communist countries making abortion illegal and monitoring pregnant women to ensure the follow through of increased birth rates. He does not however, talk about the other variables that may impact quality of life for forced birth nations, solely focusing on increasing populations to stave off immigration concerns and again being over-run by third world nations.
Outdated stances that unfortunately are still seen within modern times. Evolution forward must occur versus going back if men fretting over the birth rate want to see sustainable change.
August 15, 2024
Honestly, I don't know where to begin to write a review about this book. I bought a collectible First Edition copty, which is inscribed by the author to Liz Carpenter, who served as Lyndon B. Johnson's executive assistant, and later as Lady Bird Johnson's press secretary. She is also the author of the 58-word speech that then Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson read in front of Air Force One after returning to Washington, D.C. following the assasination of President Kennedy.
Carpenter was known to be a fiesty feminist who had a respectful association with author Wattenberg. And no doubt, the subject of this book, The Birth Dearth, would surely have ignited that feminist fire. Without too many spoilers, I will say that this collectible edition is more profound today than it evenwas when Wattenberg first put pen to page. With the reversal of Roe v, Wade, the subject is as incendiary now as it was when The Birth Dearth: What Happens When People in Free Countries Don't Have Enough Babies? was first published in 1987. Regardless of political affiliation, or personal beliefs, this collectible piece of history is a book that everyone might benefit from reading and relating to the times, when choice is at the center of politics, and of human rights discussions.
Learn more: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115820579329
Carpenter was known to be a fiesty feminist who had a respectful association with author Wattenberg. And no doubt, the subject of this book, The Birth Dearth, would surely have ignited that feminist fire. Without too many spoilers, I will say that this collectible edition is more profound today than it evenwas when Wattenberg first put pen to page. With the reversal of Roe v, Wade, the subject is as incendiary now as it was when The Birth Dearth: What Happens When People in Free Countries Don't Have Enough Babies? was first published in 1987. Regardless of political affiliation, or personal beliefs, this collectible piece of history is a book that everyone might benefit from reading and relating to the times, when choice is at the center of politics, and of human rights discussions.
Learn more: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115820579329
November 20, 2023
This guy wrote this book decades ago and much of his predictions are currently coming true. The US population growth is decreasing. He gives specific examples on how this can be fixed with lots of money and opportunities given to families to encourage them to have more kids.
Our government and Pro-forced birthers tell us we’re all on our own and no one is going to help women with children. We are seen as nothing more than chattel and they wonder why women are choosing to stay single and childless.
So his speculations will continue to come true without real incentives and family/women support.
Our government and Pro-forced birthers tell us we’re all on our own and no one is going to help women with children. We are seen as nothing more than chattel and they wonder why women are choosing to stay single and childless.
So his speculations will continue to come true without real incentives and family/women support.
Want to read
June 28, 2022Why is this book impossible to find?
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July 29, 2022Continue to educate yourself! Some thoughts apocalyptical, some ideas real and regarded, some fears predicted and entirely misguided. Proposed problems and resolutions are very substantial.
September 23, 2022
If you are thinking about reading this, just don’t.
October 22, 2023
Not scientifically based but one man's opinion. Yet another insight as to why our current society is set up to perpetuate white supremacist hierarchy.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 18 reviews