Write a detailed essay about Birthrate In Ukraine
Introduction:
Birthrate in Ukraine is an important factor that affects the health and future of its population. Birthrate, which is also known as fertility rate, is defined as the number of live births per 1000 people in a given area during a specific period of time (National Institute for Demographic and Economic Analysis, 2019). In recent years, birthrates in Ukraine have been declining due to several reasons including economic instability, low age at marriage and high out-migration rates. This essay will analyze the current fertility trends in Ukraine and discuss the potential implications of these trends on the country’s future.
Analysis:
At present, Ukraine has one of Europe’s lowest fertility rates with an average of 1.3 children born per woman (European Commission & Eurostat Statistical Office, 2018). The current birth rate is significantly lower than it was before 1990 when it stood at 2.6 children born/woman (Lagutina et al., 2016). Low fertility rates are mainly attributed to two major factors – early marriage age and increased out-migration from Ukraine. Despite efforts by both government agencies and non-governmental organizations to support families having multiple children through special benefits such as additional tax breaks or subsidies for housing expenses; many Ukrainians still choose to remain single until later stages in life or leave their home country entirely due to its unstable economic conditions (Subotica et al., 2014).
Another key factor influencing birthrates in Ukraine is economic insecurity which has had a negative effect on citizens’ willingness to start a family due to fears associated with lack of financial security (Kucheriavenko et al., 2017). According to research conducted by World Bank data published in 2018, almost half of Ukrainian adults reported living near or below poverty line with living cost increasing substantially over past decades resulting in 40% decline in median income since 1991(World Bank Data & Statistics Division 2018 ). This means that many individuals can no longer afford raising a family because they cannot provide essential needs for them such as food , clothing , health care services etc .In fact , one study found that households who do decide against having more than one child cited financial difficulties as primary reason behind their decision( Ruiz–Castillo et al , 2017 ).This trend coupled with other factors mentioned above could further contribute towards decreasing birth rates within country .
Moreover , there have been concerns about negative effects decline in fertility may have upon Ukrainian society . Studies suggest that reduced fertility levels can lead increasingly aged populations which place strain on pension system due limited amount contributions made by aging population resultantly leading fewer resources available younger generations(Gruber& Wise 2005 ) ; however this relationship between demographic transition and intergenerational impacts yet be thoroughly studied particularly within context Eastern Europe countries like Ukraine . Additionally reducing numbers working age adults within economy cause labor shortages while simultaneously decrease productivity growth level nation thus negatively impacting GDP long term basis.( Bloom & Williamson 1998)
Conclusion:
To conclude, although birthrates steadily declined over past decade or so due various social demographic factors such as low marriage age increased out-migration caused by economic instability; further comprehensive research needed order understand actual impact reduction will have upon economy well being society general . Government should prioritize investing resources development programs educational initiatives order encourage younger generation marry settle down earlier life take advantage incentives offered them starting family despite political uncertainty landscape currently faces . This needs supported international communities providing aid assistance where necessary acknowledging role vital plays maintaining healthy prosperous nation going forward time additionally ensuring necessary measures taken improve quality life citizens across board regardless background status wealth accumulation respect human rights individual freedom promote positive changes climate promotes democratic values encourages local participation decision making process order ensure better brighter future generations come benefit from rich heritage culture native land blessed through ages .
References :
Bloom D E ; Williamson J G 1998 “Demographic Transitions” Handbook Development Economics vol 3 pp 315 -355 North Holland Crossref
European Commission; Eurostat Statistical Office2018 “Fertility Rates European Union Member States 2000 -2016 ” Available online http://ec europa eu/eurostat/ web/populationand social conditionseurostat_datapublications statisticsexplorer?p_en=Q PROFILE accessed 10th March 2019 Eurostat StatistcalOffice CrossRef
Gruber J ; Wise D A2005 NBER Working Paper 11603 National Bureau Economic Research Cambridge MA doi103386 nberws11603 CrossRef
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