El Podcast

E103: Why We Need Big Families in a Shrinking World: w/ Dr. Catherine Pakaluk

Episode Summary

Dr. Catherine Pakaluk explores the motivations behind women choosing larger families despite declining birth rates, revealing insights into parenting, sibling dynamics, and societal values. She and Jesse discuss the economic challenges of a shrinking population and the need to reframe parenthood as a source of fulfillment rather than a barrier to success. They also consider potential solutions for boosting birth rates, emphasizing faith, community, and strategic investments in an aging society.

Episode Notes

Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, economist and author of Hannah’s Children, discusses why some American women still choose large families, what it means for the future of society, and the deeper meaning of parenthood in an age of demographic decline.

Guest Bio: Dr. Catherine Pakaluk is an economist and associate professor at The Catholic University of America with a PhD from Harvard, known for her work on family, faith, and fertility.

Topics Covered: 

• The motivation behind Hannah’s Children and the “5% Club” of high-fertility women
• What these women believe about children, purpose, and blessings
• Why pro-natal policies (like cash incentives) largely fail
• Economic consequences of a shrinking population and workforce
• How children build resilience, empathy, and social skills through siblings
• The problem of overparenting and emotional fragility in small families
• Religious communities as key to sustaining fertility
• Personal reflections on parenting, sacrifice, and long-term meaning
• The U.S. fiscal future: Social Security, taxes, and investor outlook
• Upcoming project: interviews with high-fertility fathers

📺Watch the full episode on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/kVCWvNbLDAw