In poor societies, people have children to improve their economic well-being by increasing thenumber of family workers and providing support for parents in their old age. In wealthy societies, the logicoften reverses. Govenunent now supports the elderly, diminishing the need for children. By some studies,the safety nets for retirees have reduced fertility rates by 0.5 children in the United States and almost 1.0in Western Europe, reports economist Robert Stein in the journal National Affairs. Similarly, somecouples dont have children because they dont want to sacrifice their own lifestyles to the time andexpense of a family.
Young Americans already face a bleak labor market that cannot instill (注入) confidence abouthaving children. Piling on higher taxes wont help, If higher taxes make it more expensive to raisechildren, says Nicholas Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute, people will think twice abouthaving another child. That seems like common sense, despite the multiple influences on becomingparents.
What do we learn from the government report?
A.Inflation increases families expenses.
B.Raising children is getting expensive.
C.Budget reduction is around the corner.
D.Average family expenditure is increasing.
58、 What is said to be the consequence of a shrinking population?
A.Weakened national strength.
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