Tag: total fertility rate

Two women walking outside one holding a tablet one holding a book looking at each other

Across high-income countries, fertility rates have fallen to record lows. In exploring this phenomenon, the key policy questions are: 1) why is this trend occurring? and 2) what, if anything, can be done to reverse it? For example, the finances of pay-as-you-go programs like Social Security are adversely affected by falling fertility, with fewer workers…

Group of young women talking around a table

Are the Social Security Trustees too optimistic? The 2025 Social Security Trustees Report is standard fare.  It confirms what has been evident for almost three decades – namely, Social Security is facing a 75-year financing shortfall that currently equals 1.3 percent of GDP.  And, if no action is taken before 2033, the depletion of reserves…