This article was about the declining birthrate in Japan. Japan has a huge population, which increased to just over 128 million last year, but people are also spending so much time working that they do not have time for a family. There are many people who are unmarried due to the lack of time to seek out a partner. Jobs are giving time off to encourage procreation. Also the article informs us that money is given for those who have children to help support them. We also learn that leaders are discussing an increase in sales tax to go toward help repair from the tsunami. This could result in more stability and more families being formed. If the birth rate does not rise, Japan, one of the economic centers of the world, will not function anything like it has in the past.
To me it is sad to think about how life must be for many in Japan. Many are suffering from the disaster resulting from the tsunami, while many others are spending their life working without any time to do anything. It seems like routine this overlooks the way life is meant to be. For me, I don’t want my life to be all about work. For me, work is basically just a way to get the resources and money you need so you can enjoy the important things. For so many in Japan today, it seems like everything is unbalanced as far as work and your own time goes. I think officials are on the right track in giving time off work, encouraging procreation, and giving money to support having children. I hope that this will not only increase their population and stimulate the economy, but also give their lives more meaning. I can’t imagine working all the time like that, and I think this would help to achieve balance and happiness while helping out the country at the same time. Hopefully it will give back to Japan in many ways.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/oct/25/japan-birthrate-decline
3 comments:
I dont think money should be an incentive to have kids, i mean what if i child found out that their parents only had them so that they can have a little extra money in their pocket? the children would be very resentful toward the family. Maybe other things can be used but i just don't agree with the money thing.
I don't think the point of the incentive is merely for financial gain. Most Japanese undergo a far more rigorous grade school and standardized testing than we do, so having free time is basically a foreign concept to them. As highly pressured, educated, and sometimes devastated the Japanese culture can be, I doubt they would be having children just for money.
Jasma, thats a very thoughtful point. I had not thought about that element of it. That could be heartbreaking for the kids.
Lauren, good pount also. Hopefully if they are considering kids already money will be of help to support them.
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