Worldwide, coupling and fertility rates are declining. The Utah
Population and Environment Council generally applauds the
developments regarding decreased fertility rates. Especially since the
world population is projected to climb from over the current eight
billion to about ten billion by 2060.
One person who has done valuable research on coupling and fertility
rates is Alice Evans, Demographer and Senior Lecturer at Kings College,
London. A good summary of her work can be found in her Jan. 13, 2025
Substack Article: The Global Collapse of Coupling & Fertility.
This article is densely packed with relevant information, including
changes in coupling and fertility rates across various countries as well
as showing important divergences among countries. Just one example
from the article, “From the 1960s, US fertility fell primarily due to fewer
births among couples. In that context, baby bonuses might raise fertility.
But today, the major contributing factor is the decline of coupling.”
One of the most intriguing considerations regarding decreases in
coupling rates is her assertion that “The ‘relationship recession’
coincides with the rise in smart phones.”
What if smart phones are one of the major contributors to decreasing
coupling relations and fertility rates? Use of smart phones is increasing
dramatically. If there is a strong correlation between smart phone use
and decreased relationships, how could you decrease the smart phone
use on a to increase relationships? Also worthy of consideration – in
countries where cell phone use is low for women, would fertility rates
decline if women in those countries had greater usage of cell phones?
Take some time to consider the Substack article by Alice Evans. It
provides valued information and raises major questions about coupling
and fertility rates.