Small family norm and development – UGC NET Question

When families have fewer children, households often find it easier to provide adequate nutrition, schooling and healthcare for each child. At the societal level, slower population growth can reduce pressure on public services and make it more feasible to expand quality education and health infrastructure. Over time, this can contribute to higher human capital formation and improved living standards, which is a central argument for promoting small family norms in development policy.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because a small family norm tends to lower the dependency ratio over time, not keep it persistently high.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it explains how reduced family size can free up resources and attention for each child, which is consistent with human development perspectives.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as smaller family size does not automatically raise unemployment; employment depends on many factors including economic growth and skills.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because improved investments in health typically raise, not reduce, life expectancy; there is no inherent reason for life expectancy to fall with smaller families.