How do societal attitudes toward parenthood influence reproductive health and contribute to population aging in developed countries?

Societal attitudes toward parenthood play a significant role in reproductive health and can lead to declining fertility rates in developed countries. Many people today view parenthood as a personal choice rather than a societal obligation, which can lead to delays in starting families or opting not to have children at all. For example, in countries like Japan and Italy, cultural expectations around work and financial stability often make people hesitant to become parents, resulting in fewer births. This decline in birth rates contributes to an aging population, where there are more older individuals than young ones, putting pressure on healthcare and social systems. Overall, changing views on family and parenting can significantly shape reproductive choices and ultimately affect population dynamics.