Wealth and prosperity vs fertility – a natural correlation or the result of manipulation?

In your opinion, does the increase in wealth and prosperity of society correlate with having fewer children, or even with childlessness?

The relationship between wealth and fertility has been controversial for years. On the one hand, data show that in developed countries the number of children decreases with the rising standard of living and social security. On the other hand, some argue that the promotion of consumption and childlessness plays a key role. A symbolic reference is John Calhoun’s mouse experiment, the so-called “Universe 25” – creating ideal living conditions (food, water, no threats) led to the disappearance of reproductive behavior and the collapse of the colony. For some, this is a natural civilizational mechanism, for others proof that societies are being deliberately manipulated to limit population growth. Is the decline in fertility the effect of prosperity, or a planned experiment on humanity?

12/09/2025