Why do low income families procreate so much?

Question

I am wondering why low income families procreate a lot while high income families reproduce less. Wouldn't it be the other way around? Since the high income family has assets and promising prospects, they would like to pass on the wealth and joy of life to another child. But the low income families are the ones reproducing the most, and they have no prospects and a not so promising future. So why would they do that?

Answer 1

Have you noticed how expensive birth control measures are? This administration has cut or even eliminated help for the poor to buy these methods. Poor people are human, you know. They have the same sexual needs and desires as everyone else have and now they can't prevent unwanted children.

If the poor family can manage to have health insurance many of those companies will not pay for contraceptives but they will pay for Viagra.

Answer 2

I totally understand what you are saying and I agree to an extent. Its hard to explain. I don't think that the procreation is the issue, the real issue should be whether or not either family can properly rear the child or children. Money shouldn't be the basis for human life. Although society has made money to be better than love and respect, my view is the impact you can make on an individuals life using the tools that you have whether it's alot of money and material things or the bare necessities and a loving family.

Answer 3

Rule #1: Never use logic when dealing with human nature....

There is probably a myrad of reasons, but I can tell you my take on this. High income families tend to be better educated, so they also tend to think things out more...like can I really afford to have more children. Low income people often think for the moment, not plotting out the future well.

Also, I think because low income people tend not to have many material things to buoy their esteem, a baby is easy to make and for a while they can be "special". That's is often why they pick unusual names for the children.....another easy way to make them appear different and special for awhile. Also it may be that where highly educated people might be more materialistic, low income people may feel more family oriented, (because that's all they have is family), in an obtuse way, hence more offspring...........

Answer 4

I think it is more of "Why don't high income people have large families like low income families?"...

and I would guess the answer to be "Greed".. and "Selfishness"...

High income families are more interested in making money and buying nice things than they are in raising a family...

In my experience, low income families are often more tightly bonded.

Answer 5

Cause it's enjoyable to piss off the people who really shouldn't give damn. Worrying about others is what's keeping you from success. I bet you make less than 30 thousand a year yet you're counting poor peoples babies.

Answer 6

I know the following will be a long read, but please take the time to read my comment on this matter for it is not fair to judge all low income persons on the same level...it just is not right...
Just because some one is low income means that they should not be treated or have the same freedom's as those of a higher class? Come on....Yes there are many low income families out there who procreate just to remain on welfare, but there are also many who have a mind set of being self sufficent and set goals for themselves and their children....please read on...Dear Editor,
I request that you pass this on to those who look down their noses at and judge the less fortunate... scenairo: (Can you tell what "class" this child comes from?) A little boy arrives at school, eager to start his day. This little boy's appearance is fresh, clean and if you stand close enough to him, you could tell by one of your five senses, this child is well groomed and neatly manicured. His clothes are freshly laundered, bold in color, and just the right fit for his size. The shoes upon his feet may or may not be that of the latest trend; the fit is perfect with a thumb width of growing room and contain no holes. The little boy attends his classroom with controllable excitement and does as he is told by his teacher. The little boy has never made trouble in his school and the grades he produces are that of an outstanding achievement. His health is normal and is up-to-date on all of his immunizations and physicals. He is a cheerful one and quite respectful to those who encounter him. His parents are well groomed, respectful and indeed hold education at a high standard. Their little guy is loved so deeply and though child rearing has its trials and tribulations, the parents of this child take parenting quite seriously. The little boy is nevered allowed to roam the neighborhood let alone his back and front yard without atleast one of his parents beside him. His parents take him on outings several times a month. He is not under fed and the foods that he eats are full of nutrition. The parents are very much involved in this little boys life and make time for him everyday. There has not been a day that a book was not read to him. You know this child is well taken care of by just the look in his eyes. He is happy and full of vibrant energy and to top it off, he is intelligent to no end...So ladies and gentlemen, what class does this child come from? Answer after these next several lines...


I was quite irritated while reading in Sunday’s paper the article pertaining to “Children and Poverty”. Though the many statements made may very well be true, it never was stated that there is always an “exception to the rule”.

What about those who are in poverty now, but did not come from poverty as a child. What about those who do not have the mindset of those who are less educated? Not all children who come from the poverty level are ill educated by their parents. Not all children who come from the poverty level have poor health or poor access to health care. And at that, those children at that lower level of society who are the “exception” are not all behind on their current immunizations and physicals.

Those children that come from poverty are not all without manners and respect for others.

Those children who are the “exception” are not all underfed or fed improperly. And foremost those of the “exception” do not lack “intelligence” if you will. I believe all societies have their pros and cons, yet those of a lower status get picked on or downgraded the most. There is of course a stereotype for everything. It just so happens that those that are trying and are poor get a bad rep and are viewed on the same level as those who are poor and not trying.

It really broke my heart to see concentration towards one side of this matter; over looking the “exception”. Does poverty put a barrier in front of the desire to travel vast and far places? Yes it does in some cases. However, not all who are poverty stricken stay put in their current dwelling. There are many of the “exception” who make a point and sacrifice to take a small family trip out of town for the day or weekend. It just depends on how important it is to ones family. I agree that it takes hard work and dedication to improve your life. This does not always take money however. It does take a willingness to improve ones mindset and a conscience effort to step back and realize just how you are bringing up your children.

The mistake made in Sunday's paper was the article was written in generality. Now on with the probably-figured-out answer... Yes, this little guy (1st grade) would be considered living in poverty. The fact of the matter is, this is a true story and involves three other siblings. Not only does the family stated above have just the little boy, but they aswell, have two preschooled age twin daughters and have another boy who is autistic and in kindergarten. The three other siblings are just as well taken care of as the "exampled" boy above. So you see not all who live in poverty disregard their appearance, education, respect for others and a clean house...;ect, ect, ect... Don't judge until you have lived in ones shoes and understand ones situation. And please stop stereotyping....
This article was published in my towns local newspaper....the article was composed by me. I am considered low income, yet I set values, standards and try to live the best life that I can with my family.....Just because one is classified as low income doesn't mean that we are dirty, have low self respect or are lacking any love for our children. If you step back and take a hard look at one's who are living in poverty yet are the exception, you will find that we in a sense provide the same enviroment and affection for our children as those who are better off....we just are trying harder to attain a financial secruity for our families.....Kimmie

Answer 7

Because they think they can get more money off of more kids during income tax time. That's what I was told.

Answer 8

You would think so. It has to do with education and access to healthcare (birthcontrol) Poor people basically don't take control of their lives.

Answer 9

They don't care because the state pays more for the more children you have. Sad but true.

Answer 10

poor people dont have that much recreation and entertainment....sex is kinda like their form of recreation...lol...they are also not educated that much....and parents think that if they have more children, they will get alot of financial support when their children have jobs....