By Plenary Sessions: Jaak Valge

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of demography and social statistics, highlighting specific data concerning the decline in the birth rate and the desired number of children (1.7/1.9 versus 2.5). He/She refers to studies that link the natural family structure to lower risk behavior and a reduced incidence of mental disorders in children (depression 13.3% versus 18.1%). Demographer Mark Gortfelder is cited as an expert, and international examples are referenced.