[alexanderstears]

>The point is that there shouldn't be any economical or work-related downside (other than slightly less pay during maternity/paternity leave) for having a child.

but there are productivity downsides to having a child - taking more sick days, less flexibility, etc.

To the extent that we expect equal pay for equal work and we have lowered expectations for parents who work, there should be downsides to having a child or upsides to remaining childless.

>Developed is quite apt for any society that values its members.

Still, developed isn't the right dimension. Pygmy tribes value all their members, but they're not developed. Well, do they even 'value' their members? They don't value their members enough to integrate into the global economy and enjoy the benefits of evidence based medicine and trade.

Development is more closely related to infrastructure and safety/security. We understand poor parts of Mexico to be less developed than NYC because of ease of access to infrastructure and the difference in safety/security.