[MGSA-L] Why Greeks aren’t making babies

June Samaras june.samaras at gmail.com
Fri Jul 29 17:34:46 PDT 2011


Why Greeks aren’t making babies

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite3_32187_28/07/2011_400102

By Angelos Stangos

The demographic evolution of Greece, as reported in the latest census,
is cause for serious concern. According to the figures, the population
has shrunk by 145,000 people since 2001, confirming the aging trend
that has so often been noted in the past.

This trend has increased over the past decade, if the figures of the
Hellenic Statistical Authority are anything to go by. There is some
doubt as to the legitimacy of the data, at least according to the
usual conspiracy theory spinners, who argue that many people did not
participate in the census because it included a questionnaire
demanding a number of personal details. To these people we can also
add the elderly, many of whom did not open their door to census takers
because they were scared they might be robbers trying to trick them.

These, however, are details, and even if the conspiracy theorists are
right, we cannot ignore the fact that the Greek population is aging
and shrinking, possibly faster than other countries in Europe that are
experiencing similar trends.

In Russia, for example, the birthrate is at dangerously low levels,
and the same can be said for Germany, Italy, Spain and other European
states. The problem, therefore, is a European one and not a Western
phenomenon, as it does not apply to the United States. In Greece the
problem is graver because it cannot be attributed solely to a change
in mentalities and the modern way of life, nor to the increasing
number of women who choose work or a career over having a family.

What is broadly perceived as “Greek reality” appears to be the
foremost reason why young people are shying away from having babies.
This “Greek reality” hinges to a great extent on the inadequacy of the
state, which, among other factors that have rendered life difficult,
especially in big cities, has failed to create adequate child-minding
services, has allowed formal education to be replaced by education at
private institutions, has nurtured a parasitic work ethic and has
allowed uncertainty to mar young people’s view of the future. Add to
this the almost hysterical overprotectiveness most Greeks feel toward
the children, and the fear of having a family begins to make more
sense.

So, the slogan now should be “Make babies, because we’re doomed.” But
the fact is that if the necessary reforms are not adopted and the mood
in the country does not improve significantly, no slogan will do the
trick.
	
	

-- 
June Samaras
2020 Old Station Rd
Streetsville,Ontario
Canada L5M 2V1
Tel : 905-542-1877
E-mail : june.samaras at gmail.com



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