In April the Census Bureau estimated that from 2010 to 2020, the U.S. population grew at the slowest rate since the 1930s and at the second-slowest rate in the nation’s history.
The recent report that U.S. birthrates fell to a record low in 2020 was expected but still grim. On Twitter the news was greeted, characteristically, by conservative laments and liberal comments implying that itâs mostly conservatismâs fault â because American capitalism allegedly makes parenthood unaffordable, work-life balance impossible and atomization inevitable.
This is a specific version of a long-standing argument about the tensions between traditionalism and capitalism, which seems especially relevant now that the right doesnât know what itâs conserving anymore.
In a recent essay for New York Magazine, for instance, Eric Levitz argues that the social trends American conservatives most dislike â the rise of expressive individualism and the decline of religion, marriage and the family â are driven by socioeconomic forces the rightâs free-market doctrines actively encourage. âAmericaâs moral traditionalists are wedded to an eco
Ross Douthat: Is capitalism killing conservatism?
The right doesn’t know what it is conserving anymore.
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
This Sept. 8, 2020 file photo shows The Charging Bull statue in New York s financial district.
By Ross Douthat | The New York Times
| May 10, 2021, 3:31 p.m.
The report Wednesday that U.S. birthrates fell to a record low in 2020 was expected but still grim. On Twitter the news was greeted, characteristically, by conservative laments and liberal comments implying that it’s mostly conservatism’s fault because American capitalism allegedly makes parenthood unaffordable, work-life balance impossible and atomization inevitable.
This is a specific version of a long-standing argument about the tensions between traditionalism and capitalism, which seems especially relevant now that the right doesn’t know what it’s conserving anymore.
Why the US’ population advantage has evaporated
The reasons vary, but they all add up to a grim economic future, especially for younger people
By Noah Smith / Bloomberg Opinion
Fifteen years ago, population growth was one of the US’ core advantages over other nations. With a fertility rate close to the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman the level necessary for long-term population stability the US had somehow avoided the birthrate collapse that had characterized other rich countries, and more than a few poor ones. Add copious immigration on top of that, and our demographic future seemed assured.
Projections had the US substantially increasing its size relative to its main potential rival, China, over the course of the century. The country’s youthfulness, as well, implied a bright future for its economy, its asset markets and the solvency of its pension and healthcare systems.
The report Wednesday that US birthrates fell to a record low in 2020 was expected but still grim. On Twitter the news was greeted, characteristically, by