Fertility in fall: a deep analysis
Catalonia is in an alarming situation in terms of its fertility rate. From 2010, the data showed that the average of children per woman had fallen below the level needed to guarantee the continuity of the population, establishing in approximately 1.4 children. This figure contrasts dramatically with the past decades, when families used to be between two and three children.
Recent trends and alarming data
Recently, the figures have been even more worrying. Currently, the fertility rate in Catalonia has been at a historic minimum of 1.1 children per woman. In the context of 2023, the register pointed out an average of only 1.10 children per woman, with women of Spanish nationality, dropping up to 1.06. Interestingly, practicing Catholic women are the ones that exceed this minimum, while Muslim women record a rate of 3.2 children per woman.
International comparison: Catalonia and the world
Comparing Catalonia with other regions, reality is more than bleak. The European Union average stands at 1.5 children per woman, with countries such as France reaching 1.8 thanks to more effective family policies. In contrast, Spain as a whole is below the European average with 1.12 children, a situation that Catalonia shares with a continuous decline.
Social factors that influence the birth rate
Several social factors contribute to this ‘structural infertility’. Among them, the delay of maternity age, the difficulty of reconciling working and family life, and a lack of public support that promotes motherhood. Catalan women have gone from almost three children in the 1970’s to a single child at present, reflecting a deep change in family dynamics.
Consequences of low birth rate
Low birth rate has led to a constant decrease in the number of births. After a maximum of 89,024 births in 2008, the figure has fallen to 54,182 by 2023, a decrease of 40% in only fifteen years. This tendency translates into the future where young cohorts will be smaller, with serious implications for economics and society.
A look to the future: What awaits us?
Demographic forecasts indicate that, if there are no significant changes in family and social policies, Catalonia will continue in this descending trajectory. The need for a serious debate on the conditions that affect motherhood and fatherhood is more urgent than ever, to prevent imminent demographic disaster.
