Bluegrass Lass

You seem to be taking an offhand comment personally. Did I say that anyone w/more than a certain number were stupid? No, but if you were approaching 20, I'd say there are a few screws loose. There is a significant different between 5 and 20. Take it from my personal experience from living in a state with people that are not generally known for an intelligence factor. I've seen more than my fair share of large families here, and the vast majority are not families where the parents would be considered smart. Take my generalization however you want.

Leslie

I think it's pretty common knowledge that uneducated people have a tendency to procreate earlier and more often than those with an education. I think it has less to do with intelligence and more to do with poverty and ignorance. And of course there are exceptions to every rule.

This may be a relatively new trend ... it seems like in the old days rich/poor, educated/ignorant ... everybody had a bunch of kids. I don't have the data though, these are just my observations. It's actually unfortunate as medium/biggish families are great fun. I'm talking about 4 - 7 kids though because 20 is really just taking the piss.

In my parent's generation having lots of kids wasn't really expensive and they were necessary to help with the farm or family business. That is not the case any longer.

chartreuse

I think you might be on to something there. I'm not referring to the Duggars, here, who appear to be managing from their own resources, but...

Sometimes it seems (certainly back in the UK) that a majority of those popping out sprogs like there's no tomorrow are on benefits of some kind, while those who are paying for those benefits are having fewer kids, because they are very much aware of the cost of raising them.

CelticRover

'Cradle to grave care', perhaps?

Leslie

Yeah, that's my point exactly.

nethead

Yup, I did take it personally, even though I tried not to, it's difficult when someone questions my intelligence because I have more than the average number of children.