---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: when fertility rates began collapsing in…"
description: "\"“when fertility rates began collapsing in the late 1960s, another demographic transition was occurring, the result of a fundamental restructuring: Peop..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/jonathan-v-last-55568_children_when-fertility-rates-began-collapsing-in_1458789.png"
---

#  when fertility rates began collapsing in the late 1960s…

![“when fertility rates began collapsing in the late 1960s, another demographic transition was occurring, the result of a fundamental restructuring: People no longer put children at the center of their lives. Instead, they put themselves there.” quote by Jonathan V. Last](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/jonathan-v-last-55568_children_when-fertility-rates-began-collapsing-in_1458789.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/jonathan-v-last-55568_children_when-fertility-rates-began-collapsing-in_1458789.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d1e/jonathan-v-last-55568_children_when-fertility-rates-began-collapsing-in_1458789.png)

> ““when fertility rates began collapsing in the late 1960s, another demographic transition was occurring, the result of a fundamental restructuring: People no longer put children at the center of their lives. Instead, they put themselves there.””

[Jonathan V. Last](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-v-last/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Modern societies shift focus from child‑centered lives to self‑centered priorities, reflecting deeper cultural and economic restructuring.

**In simple terms:** People now prioritize themselves over children.

Key Takeaway

Recognize shifting values in policy.

Themes

demography cultural shift individualism

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

sociological demographic

When to use this quote

- policy analysis
- family planning
- media commentary

Key Concepts

post‑industrial economies social norms

Questions to Reflect On

- How does self‑centeredness affect community?
- What policies respond to this shift?

A Different Perspective

May overlook benefits of child‑focused cultures.

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[1960S Demographic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/1960s-demographic-5265022/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Demographic Transition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/demographic-transition-3707176/) [Fertility Rates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fertility-rates-867450/) [Restructuring People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restructuring-people-5265023/) [Selfishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfishness/) [Transition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/transition/)

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