Ben J. Wattenberg

The Birth Dearth is a 1987 non-fiction book by Ben J. Wattenberg, a political scientist and author. The book argues that the declining birth rate in developed countries is a serious problem that could have far-reaching consequences for the economy, society, and culture. Wattenberg begins by examining the historical trends in birth rates. He notes that the birth rate in the United States has been declining since the early 1970s, and that this trend is not unique to the United States. He also notes that the birth rate is declining in other developed countries, such as Japan, Germany, and France. Wattenberg then argues that the declining birth rate is a problem because it will lead to a smaller workforce and a larger elderly population. He also argues that the declining birth rate will make it more difficult to sustain economic growth and social programs. Wattenberg concludes by proposing a number of solutions to the birth dearth. He suggests that governments should provide financial incentives for couples to have children, and that they should make it easier for women to combine work and family. The Birth Dearth was a controversial book when it was published. Some critics argued that Wattenberg was exaggerating the problem, while others argued that he was proposing unrealistic solutions. However, the book has been influential in shaping the debate about the declining birth rate.

"In countries throughout the world - both modern and less developed -- birthrates and fertility rates are now falling at an astonishing rates. Depopulation is already proceeding in Italy, Germany, and Spain; Russia is losing a million people each year; Japan will begin losing population within a few years. Among the modern nations, only the United States is an exception to the trend." "In Fewer, Ben J. Wattenberg brings his expertise in world and domestic demographics to bear on this momentous but largely unrecognized shift, analyzing its major implications for geopolitics, the environment, the world economy, and the health of regions and nations. The United States, for example, may find itself with weaker allies who have ever-greater proportions of Muslim voters. Europe may not be able to maintain its economic strength without vast numbers of immigrant workers - workers they have resisted allowing into their countries." "What Mr. Wattenberg has to say about the impact of declining world population will underline its profound impact on the lives of people everywhere - from the dominance of the elderly and their demands on the resources of their governments, to the enormous potential of China and India, to the relatively privileged position of the United States vis-a-vis the major world powers. In an age already beset by a transformation in world politics, Fewer will help explain current trends as well as sketch the shape of our future."--BOOK JACKET