Fertility squeeze occurs when economic, educational, or social barriers reduce desired or actual childbearing. What is a major social consequence?

• A. Rapid population growth.
• B. Decreased life expectancy.
• C. Aging populations and greater need for elderly support.
• D. No impact on demographics.

Answer: (C)

The major social consequence is that aging populations emerge when fertility is squeezed. When economic, educational, or social barriers reduce the number of births, the share of older people in the population rises relative to younger generations. This creates a higher old-age dependency ratio, meaning more elderly to support with pensions, healthcare, and caregiving, while fewer working-age people are available to provide that support. This shift also influences family roles and public policy, prompting changes like expanded elder care and adjustments to retirement or labor markets.

Rapid population growth would require more births, not fewer. Decreased life expectancy is a different trend not directly caused by lower fertility. Saying there’s no demographic impact ignores the well-established effect of lower birth rates on the age structure.