This episode covers the fertility transition of the late 19th century, explored in Beach and Hanlon's 2023 study published in the Review of Economic Studies — Culture and the Historical Fertility Transition. The paper considers why fertility rates dropped so suddenly and uniformly in the late nineteenth century in Britain. The paper argues that culture played a critical role, specifically highlighting the influence of the Bradlaugh Bessant trial. This landmark trial, widely covered by newspapers, legitimized discussions on family size and contraceptive use, leading to a significant decline in fertility rates.

AI-generated timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Fertility Transition

00:34 Overview of the Study

01:20 Economic and Cultural Explanations

02:45 The Role of the Bradlaugh Bessant Trial

04:01 Key Findings and Historical Context

04:51 Conclusion and Implications

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