Next June, men and women should benefit from two additional months of maternity leave. Part of the response to the catastrophic birth rate figures in France. But do these kinds of measures really have the desired effect? It is this essential question that the Catholic Family Associations (AFC) wanted to answer. Their study began in 2012, when France was first in the ranking of the total fertility indicator (TCI) of European countries. It was then 2.01 children per woman – compared to 1.62 today. What happened?
Between 2012 and 2021, certain countries from the Eastern bloc, such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania or Bulgaria, saw their birth rate increase. Housing assistance, enforceable right to obtain a place in crèche, tax credits per child, etc. “What they have in common is the implementation of innovative policies, with a certain economic dynamism for these countries”decrypts Pascale Morinière, president of the AFC. At the same time, Western countries are dropping out. Some are experiencing the effects of the 2008 crisis and are taking action. France, like Belgium and Ireland, had a birth rate that was still high compared to the average, but did not see fit to deploy such efforts. The results are necessarily different.
But after 2021, the fall is drastic for everyone, despite strong measures taken in Germany, Sweden or Italy, for example. “These countries have a significant part of their GDP devoted to family policy, recognizes Pascale Morinière. But these measures are more of a social nature – support for the poorest, single-parent families, promotion of gender equality…” However, if she considers the aid legitimate, the president of the AFC notes that it is insufficient: “They cannot replace more universal measures, which support all families. »
Another example, however, attracts attention. That of Georgia, which increased its TFR by 50%, becoming the best student in Europe with 2.01 children per woman. The country has taken measures, accompanying them with a cultural climate that is particularly favorable to families. “Here, anything that relates to a pro-family climate is poorly perceived, laments Pascale Morinière. Some people bring this back to Vichy, but let’s move forward! Young families simply need to be encouraged and supported! » The AFC pleads for greater listening to families, in order to properly respond to their real needs.
“ It is obvious that a single economic measure alone will not change mentalities »
Because the polls are unanimous: the French are calling for better access to housing and purchasing, flexibility in work, accessible childcare… But many also cite the need for a stable couple. Some town halls already offer preparation for conjugality, or reimbursement of necessary support… But it is obvious that a single economic measure alone will not change mentalities.
