Baby boom

Baby boom refers to a period marked by a significant increase of birth rate. This demographic phenomenon is usually ascribed to certain periods of time following major events such as wars, or during periods of economic prosperity. The most widely recognized baby boom occurred in the mid-20th century, beginning in the late 1940s and ending in the early 1960s.

History

The term "baby boom" is most often associated with the post-World War II baby boom (1946–1964) when the number of annual births exceeded 2 per 100 women (or approximately 1% of the total population size). There are an estimated 78.3 million Americans who were born during this demographic boom in births. The term is a general demographic one and is also applicable to other similar population expansions.

Causes

The primary cause of the baby boom was the aftereffects of World War II. The end of the war led to improved economic conditions which resulted in better living standards. This, coupled with specific policies encouraging family growth, led to a significant increase in the birth rate.

Effects

The baby boom had significant effects on the societies in which it took place. In the United States, for example, the boom led to increased demand for housing, goods, and services. This had a significant impact on the economy, leading to periods of economic growth.

See also

• Demography
• Population boom
• Post–World War II economic expansion