Doctor of Economics, Deputy Director of the Institute of Demography and Social Research named after M.V. PTUKH NAS of Ukraine Oleksandr Gladun expressed his opinion on the current demographic situation in Ukraine and ways to improve it. According to him, in order for the population of Ukraine to not be reduced naturally, women should give birth on average for three children. However, today, this figure in Ukraine is much lower, which leads to a decrease in population.
Despite the fact that in Ukraine the demographic situation is difficult, Alexander Gladun notes that in order to stop the population reduction, 100 women should have 210-220 children. Such fertility is necessary to maintain a population stability, given that some women do not want or cannot have children for various reasons. However, today this figure is much lower: according to the latest data, 100 women account for about 95-100 children.
The worst birth situation is observed in developed countries, in particular in Japan, China and Italy, where this figure ranges from 120 children per 100 women. However, for Ukraine, this level can still be considered critical, and therefore decisive measures should be taken to stimulate fertility.
Alexander Gladun emphasizes the importance of supporting young families. One of the steps is to return to payments to the child that existed during the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko, when assistance depended on birth. This could encourage large families and provide proper support at different stages of the child's life.
In addition, in order to improve the demographic situation, it is necessary to create the conditions for a flexible working day, especially for mothers, which will allow them to combine professional activity and upbringing of children. According to Gladun, Ukraine needs to rely on its own strength and resources, as in the future it can be the basis of its stability.
Gladun also draws attention to migration policies. According to him, the policy of multiculturalism, which they tried to implement in Western Europe, failed. This applies, in particular, to the countries that tried to increase their number at the expense of migrants, which led to negative economic and social consequences, such as competition in the labor market and the increase in the cost of housing.
Therefore, Gladun emphasizes the importance of maintaining your own demography, not imposing on external sources of replenishment of the population. Without a significant change in fertility, Ukraine may face serious economic and social problems in the future.
