Here’s a dystopian idea x eugenics… I’m putting it out there to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Because capitalism won’t cope with a population that gets smaller and smaller, in some countries politicians will do their best to promote having more children:
- baby bonus
- long maternity leave
- free childcare and pre-school education
- tax breaks
This already occurs in a few lands and typically isn’t enough to get the fertility rate above 2.1. It also means that the increase in children will come from poor people – those who relatively benefit the most from the bribes.
Imagine a politician who is disgusted by poor people breeding more than the elite. He/she/they might decide to turn the incentive idea upside down.
Instead of incentivising more births, they could tax those who refrain. Childless couples benefit enormously financially, relative to those who propagate the species. Anyone who has mature gay couple friends (I’m generalising) can attest to their disposable income.
If the tax is progressive, and doesn’t kick in for those below the median income, then it doesn’t encourage poor people to have children, but it strongly encourages the rich to do so.
It could also be seen as a way of punishing male same sex couples.
Just to repeat, I am not advocating this, I’m just turning things upside down as I am with everything else, and considering what may result.