Reasonably Optimistic

The hidden forces behind America’s baby bust

August 26, 2026·56 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Why are Americans having fewer children, even though many say they want larger families? Host Megan McArdle talks with author Tim Carney about how professional ambition, personal autonomy and intensive parenting have made family life more daunting. They discuss why Americans are marrying later, how workplaces and communities could make raising children easier, and whether stronger family norms can be revived without bringing back the inequalities of the past.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

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