If I understand population growth in the first world in recent centuries correctly, it grew sharply from the 18th to early 20th centuries because of increasing advances in medicine lowering the death rate, causing cities to stop being population sinks. Then during the 20th century, the birth rate dropped as well, leading to the more or less stable populations first world countries have nowadays. What I am curious about is what people thought of these declining birth rates when they first noticed them. Was there any effort to keep the population growing?
I can only speak for where I come from, Singapore, and Japan. Yes, these two countries suffer the unfortunate consequence of deteriorating population growth due to a system of work and capitalist culture.
Back in the sixties, Singapore had a rapid population growth, and the government implemented social policies such as the two-child policy in 1972 that advised the people in having just two children. After a decline, the population rate continued going down instead of stabilising, and the government implemented the “baby bonus” scheme, where the government opens a savings plan for the baby with a few thousand dollars, for educational or health needs. On top of that, a cash bonus is given to the parents, which is at SGD 8,000 for the first 2 children, and 10,000 when the third comes.
In Japan, which is known for its ageing population, a measure that the government recently undertook was in making immigration easier for foreigners, especially those aged around 20s to 30s who possess high educational achievements or specialised work skills.
Hope this helps!