Part X: X
Something has been trending in my feed recently, and that is the issue of dropping TFR (total fertility rate). This issue is really more of a social, economical, political, demographical and cultural issue - far beyond my area of knowledge and competency. However, I won't let that prevent me from giving my 2 cents.
As the world gets richer, families are having a hard time reproducing enough to replace themselves. Even though the world may seem more "crowded" now, many societies around the world may face an existential crises if the trends continue or even worsen.
In an attempt to combat low fertilities, many governments give incentives for having children: namely baby bonuses and increased paid leave (for parents). But treating it as a numbers game is something I disagree with. Whatever sum offered to parents is surely undermined by the total money and time needed to raise a child. Even with inflation and greedy corporations, the world is getting richer too. In many parts of the world, our spending power has increased: we could have excess and afford things our past generations never had. Yet, finding money to raise a child is still an issue. Why? That is because money is not enough. Materialistically speaking, it is never enough. Therefore the numbers game is a band-aid to the real problem.
At the core of this issue is that it is a cultural one. The family is a cornerstone of society. And society is enshrines culture. So how could shrinking families be any other issue?
And core to the cultural shift is... Women. Let's be real here. Men can have families whether they are rich or poor, or whether they are at 18 or 58. The role of men have not changed over the years at all as well, even now. Wives will always look up to their husbands as a protector and provider (in some way or another), even if she is earning more than him. But women have a different story. Up until they are about 35 is when their "golden" years of child-bearing are, and women have seen a shift in familial roles over the past 100 years.
immigration
elderly live longer and healthier; increase retirement age
frst time in history we lose touch with parenthood is when grandparents also worked due to industrial revolution, start to lose touch with parenthood.
islam' role, how it fits: islam does not go against any moden norm, it just provides a framework and guidelines
Subheading
X
Companion X (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "X"
Sahih Muslim 482
"And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.' "
Translation of the Quran, Surah X : Ayah X
X.
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