Towards renewed fears of population and family decline?

This paper examines the extent to which governments have been concerned by the demographic changes which have taken place since the 1960s. The comparative analysis, based on a review of selected demographic-related state initiatives, reveals major differences across countries in the attitudes of governments to population and family issues. The paper also contrasts the differences between the post-1960s situation and the 1930s one when the low fertility levels and the transformations undergone by the family had also captured the attention of governments. The paper then concludes by looking at the role played by non-governmental social actors in the discussion surrounding population and family issues.