The Principle of "Quality over Quantity" in Children

Summary：In wealthier societies, the satisfaction from raising well-educated and well-developed children far surpasses the satisfaction of having a larger number of children. As societies become more prosperous, parents tend to allocate more resources to fewer children, aiming for higher quality rather than focusing on quantity. This shift in priorities reflects the growing recognition that quality in child-rearing ultimately brings greater fulfillment.

Why do people in poorer societies tend to have more children, while those in wealthier societies tend to have fewer? There are five main reasons for this phenomenon.

First, survival rates.

In poorer societies with limited medical resources, infant mortality rates are high. Having more children ensures that a greater number of them will survive. In contrast, in wealthier societies, where healthcare is more advanced, the survival rate for children is much higher, so parents don’t need to have as many children to secure the same outcome.

Second, the need for labor.

In poorer societies, children often serve as a source of manual labor, particularly boys, who can quickly contribute to the family’s income. In these contexts, having more children means more hands to help. 

However, in wealthier societies, children are more likely to pursue careers in intellectual labor, which requires much longer periods of education and training. As a result, parents invest significant resources in their children's education for many years, often supporting them into their 20s or 30s, instead of expecting an immediate return on their labor.

Third, the time cost for parents.

In wealthier societies, the time cost for parents is significantly higher. Raising children requires a considerable amount of time and energy, which often coincides with crucial career-building years. Parents may choose to delay or reduce the number of children they have because dedicating time to child-rearing comes at the expense of their career progression. This is a clear application of the "law of demand": the higher the cost, the lower the demand.

Fourth, the role of children in providing security for parents.

In poorer societies, children are often seen as a form of "retirement savings." In these societies, financial markets and pension systems are often underdeveloped, so having more children is a way for parents to ensure they will be taken care of in old age. 

In wealthier societies, however, well-established financial systems and social security programs make it unnecessary for parents to rely on their children for support in old age. Instead, parents encourage their children to become independent early and take pride in not being a burden to them. As a result, there is less motivation to have many children.

Fifth, the growing importance of quality over quantity.

The most significant factor is that, as wealth increases, parents place more emphasis on the "quality" of their children rather than the quantity. As income grows, parents are less inclined to have numerous children; instead, they focus on providing a few children with the best possible education and upbringing. 

For example, if your income is low, you might buy yourself a bicycle. But as your income rises, you wouldn’t buy ten bicycles—you’d buy a motorcycle. And when your income improves further, you wouldn’t buy ten motorcycles; instead, you’d get a car. Similarly, parents in wealthier societies would prefer to have fewer children and invest more in their education and development, as the satisfaction from quality outweighs the satisfaction from quantity.