Why is it ok for people to reproduce when they are not anywhere near financially stable? I feel like I am having to financially support these people who are being irresponsible. If you cant afford kids, and cant afford birth control, then guess what... dont have sex! And if you choose to, and get pregnant, im sorry, but why is that my problem? I have my own problems to deal with right now. If you decide to have kids and cant afford them, then they should be taken away from you and put into a family where they can afford them! Am I wrong in this?
Child poverty creates numerous social ills. Ignoring it wouldn't be consistent with economic rationality. It is interesting, however, that countries which apparently have more 'flexible' labour markets have higher child poverty. In a sense, welfare payments become a corporate subsidy
Well, you're not really sticking your neck out philosophically, what you've said is a series of truisms or platitudes most Americans would give a thumbs up to. Now, how do you enforce such thoughts? Or, how do you get people to live that way? What made the human race dominant on Earth was our enjoyment of sex. Put quite simply, our ancestors were always D.T.F. There's a few million years (at least) of biology to overcome.
Parents in First World America generally don't have children if they can't provide for them. It's a matter of culture and incentives. Parents in Third World America have cultures in which fecundity is appreciated or rewarded by govt.
I was a landlord once upon a time and had this tenant looking for a 4 bedroom apartment because there were like 13 people in the extended family. The mother- the one in charge- said the rent would not be a problem as there were three in the family on Social Security- to a landlord that is good news because it's a guaranteed check. Anyway, the mother had a 14 year old daughter and she was so proud of her high school dropout daughter because she would soon be the fourth sucking the teet of the government. In the few months they were my tenant, the girl lost the baby and they were sad but guess what- two months later she was pregnant again and everyone was happy all over again. True story.
I am more concerned if the parents are unconditionally loving then if they are good providers - unfortunately, it's almost impossible to test for that. Look at all the screwed up rich kids? Now if the child's life is in danger through lack of funds - that is different. Then the state should step in. But if it's just a matter of not having an Xbox and their own bedroom or a cellphone? Then the state should stay away. A long time ago, I dated someone who was in a foster home...it was not a very pleasant experience for her.
