By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed grave concern over Turkey’s declining birth rate, deeming it a potential “catastrophe.” He highlighted the fertility rate’s drop below replacement levels and the increasing elderly population. Erdogan linked this demographic shift to detrimental social changes and indicated measures against LGBT movements and gender neutrality. Experts suggest this decline is tied to factors like women’s increased education and career aspirations.
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Turkey’s birth rate drops, Erdogan blames LGBT movements and promotion of gender neutrality. Honestly, it’s pretty wild to hear this narrative being pushed. The core argument here is that the declining birth rate in Turkey is somehow the fault of LGBT movements and the increasing visibility of gender neutrality. That’s right, instead of looking at the complex realities of modern life, the finger is being pointed at a specific group. It’s almost as if it’s easier to find a scapegoat than to address the actual problems.
But let’s think about this for a second. The idea that straight people are suddenly choosing not to have kids because of the existence of LGBT people is… well, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Straight people have always existed alongside LGBT people, and yet, the birth rate is dropping now. So, what’s changed? The likely suspects are things like economic instability, the rising cost of living, and the general feeling of uncertainty about the future, especially for the younger generation. Inflation is a big deal in Turkey. Housing costs are through the roof. Job security is shaky. These are very real, very tangible factors that influence people’s decisions about having children.
Furthermore, let’s be frank, it’s not particularly difficult to see that the economic environment is not conducive to starting a family. When you’re struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of adding the enormous financial burden of a child to the mix is naturally less appealing. Plus, if people don’t see a bright future ahead, they might be hesitant to bring a child into a world they perceive as uncertain or even bleak. The cost of raising a child is not small, it’s not just diapers and formula. It’s healthcare, education, and all the other expenses that go along with providing a good life.
This whole idea that promoting inclusivity somehow discourages procreation seems a bit backward to me. Ultimately, people who feel accepted and supported in society are likely going to be happier and more secure. Maybe if people felt more secure, they might feel more confident about starting families. It’s a question of providing a safe, stable environment. Providing everyone with the ability to live a peaceful and dignified life might also result in more people being willing to bring children into this world.
The core of the issue might be that the blame is being placed on the wrong factors. It seems like a convenient distraction tactic, a way to deflect attention from real issues like economic mismanagement or oppressive policies. This approach is not unique to Turkey; it’s a tactic right-wing leaders have deployed for decades around the world. Birth rates are dropping globally, and instead of taking a hard look at the common factors that affect this, the leaders involved place the blame on the ideologies they already oppose.
The bigger picture here is that declining birth rates are a complex global issue. Even in countries with traditional values and cultures that once valued large families, the trends are similar. The factors at play are economic conditions, environmental anxieties, and the changing priorities of younger generations. It’s not about what any particular group of people does, but rather a reflection of societal shifts. What’s even more concerning is that those in power might be using this as a way to control people, to push an agenda against what is perceived as different.
The reality is that a stable, economically viable environment is what encourages people to have children. It’s not about who people love or how they choose to express their gender identity. It’s about being able to provide for a family, feeling safe, and believing in a better future. When the focus shifts to addressing these fundamental needs, the conversation around birth rates might start to shift, too.