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Pro-natalist policy in the light of Catholic social teaching
Abstract
Low level of Total Fertility Rate is a problem for high-income (developed) countries. Governments try to solve this problem by implementing various instruments of pro-natalist policy aimed at encouraging families to have more children. The pro-natalist policy, however, generates a heavy burden on the budget, and despite the use of various instruments, the fertility rate does not increase permanently and satisfactorily in any country. A closer look at pro-natalist policy taking the mainstream economics into account may lead to conviction that it should not be at the centre of politicians’ attention. There are many other areas of the economy where funds from the state budget can be allocated more effectively (e.g. education or health care). The assessment of the legitimacy of pro-natalist policy should go beyond the analysis in the field of mainstream economics. This article presents an assessment of the legitimacy of pursuing a pro-natalist policy from the perspective of Catholic Economic Thought (in a broader sense: Catholic Social Teaching). For this purpose, the article will analyse excerpts from selected publications of three popes - John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis - in which one can find references to social, family and pro-natalist policies. The element supplementing the analysis is the justification of the pro-natalist policy in accordance with the principles of Catholic Social Thought.
Keywords:
fertility, Total Fertility Rate, pro-natalist policy, Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Economic ThoughtDetails
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