The Delayed Western Fertility Decline: An Examination of English‐Speaking Countries

Fertility decline began in English‐speaking countries 80 years later than in France even though per capita incomes in the former were higher and children were probably a net economic burden, at least for the middle classes. Explanations have included ignorance of contraception and the desire to keep women out of the workforce. This essay suggests that the reasons are to be found in the works of the moral reformers rather than in those of the neo‐Malthusians. The Victorian family was a construct made to meet the needs of industrializing countries. The marital relationship was believed to be in danger—and probably was in danger—from discussion of genital‐related contraception. The low demand for contraception meant that contraceptives remained crude and could not be discussed in most marriages. The problem would ultimately be overcome through further economic development together with educational and other social change. Nevertheless, the legitimation of marital discussion of birth control was not achieved until the subject was written about in the press and subsequently in birth control manuals sold on a much larger scale than before. This, in turn, changed the packaging and accessibility of contraceptives, making their discussion, acquisition, and use easier and a fertility decline possible.