Sunday, April 25, 2010
When the niños run out
Mexio's birth rate has been falling, once among the world's highest to now comparable to the U.S. Mecian woman had around seven children each in the 1960s and now the average is just over two. Contraception, more women receiving education and work opportunity, as well as more expensive housing has decreased the size of the Mexican family more. More Mexicans are aging as well and the country is not prepared with a health-care system or social security that will provide for the aging. The U.S. has historically absorbed half of each Mexican generation and with fewer of them, this could impact the U.S. reliability on migrant labor.
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3 comments:
It is interesting that pushing for economic development has led to increased use of contraception, more education, and more work opportunities, but at the same time created an aging economy in which very few people have pensions. The downsides to Mexico becoming more developed may have implications in the short run but in the long run more widespread education, work opportunities - and as a result, a lower birth rate - help the Mexican economy.
I agree that the lower birth rate will eventually help the Mexican economy. However, I think there will be initial repercussions for both the United States and Mexico. We rely heavily on immigrant workers and in 20 years will need a new source of labor. This could help unemployment rates in the US, but we must keep in mind that immigrants sometimes take jobs that Americans are unwilling to take. As far as Mexico is concerned, we also have a smaller generation currently taking care of the retiring Baby Boomers. Mexico will find ways to adjust.
Just like Aemiller said, it very interesting how education, work, and high living standards has increased the use of contraception. To some extent I can understand why this might be so especially when the health care system does not really favor everyone across. This is very interesting because I am sure other immigrants are facing the same issue.
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