Why does higher literacy rates correspond to lower birth rates?

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I understand that the more educated people are more aware of the responsibilities and risks of having children and they use protection more etc. but why is it ALWAYS that more literate and rich populations have lower birth rates? At one point, shouldn’t the literate and able people have children to contribute to the future of their countries?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

As you noted, being informed and using contraception is part. It’s also that those who become literate are more likely educated in a modern education system that goes until 18, at which point they begin adult rites of passage like marriage and family vs. starting those younger. Some may even go to college or other secondary education, may want to get established in a career, etc. before having children. And in societies/job requiring literacy, children are typically economic liabilities ( you need to spend money to raise them) vs. them being economic benefits as additional labor on the farm, hunting/gathering food, etc.

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