It Turns Out
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April 17, 2026

Should Americans have more kids?

Should Americans have more kids?
It Turns Out
Should Americans have more kids?
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Season 1
  • Show Notes

The fertility rate in America has fallen more than 20 percent in the last two decades. Why is this happening, and should we try to turn it around?

The drop is even more stark, if you look back several decades, to a time when women were having - on average - close to four kids each.

Kara is joined by Notre Dame economist Kasey Buckles, who argues that the numbers aren't what they seem.

She explains why the post-war "Baby Boom" was actually a historical anomaly, and discusses whether the Trump administration's proposed $5,000 baby bonuses might actually move the needle.

Plus, could increasing political divisions between men and women be slowing family formation?

And which segments of society are most likely to say they aren’t having the number of children they want?

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It Turns Out

"It Turns Out" reveals the hidden realities reshaping our world—from how marriage impacts inequality to the way that the tax code has transformed wealth.

Through conversations with experts who challenge conventional wisdom, award-winning journalist Kara Miller focuses each episode on groundbreaking research, changing how listeners see society, economics, technology, and human behavior. “It Turns Out” delves into data that directly impacts your life—whether you know it or not.

You can reach us at info@itturnsoutshow.com

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This work was done under Grant No. G-2025-79141.

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