TRYING TO SOLVE A MATERIALIST PROBLEM WITH MONEY:

Despite Promises, German Birthrate Falls: A drop in the number of births in Germany during the months of October and November suggests there may have been a birth rate decline in the country during 2008, despite lavish government benefits for new parents. (der Spiegel, 3/10/09)

For months, it looked like Germany might have put a stop to its shrinking birth rate. Indeed, in 2007, the country actually managed a bit of population growth. And, with a fast graying population that will be knocking on the door of the local pension office in the next few decades, it was high time, too.

But a reversal of Germany's demographic fortunes has proven to be a mirage. In October 2008, the number of births in Germany suddenly dropped. And in Novemnber, as preliminary numbers released by the German Federal Statistical Office, released on Wednesday, show, the number dropped again. [...]

Under the new benefit, introduced in January 2007, the state pays the parent who stays home with the child 67 percent of that parent's current net income, up to a maximum of €1,800 ($2,810) a month for up to 12 months. If both parents elect to take time off, the total number of months the benefit is paid, split between both parents, goes up to 14 -- a measure intended to encourage fathers to take time off work.

Was commodifying life really supposed to create greater regard for it?

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 10, 2009 8:50 AM