 Academics believe women should have more children |
Two senior academics have called on women in Scotland to have more children and at a younger age. Professors Heather Joshi and Robert Wright believe that otherwise Scotland's standard of living could decline.
Their paper is the latest in the Allander Series on Scotland's economic future.
It also backs immigration as a partial solution to an ageing population.
The average age of Scots has been increasing and this means that those who are no longer working are becoming a greater proportion of the population.
Professor Joshi and Professor Wright are specialists on the impact of demographic trends on the economy.
They believe that low fertility is the key influence on the Scottish population.
 A declining birth rate is leading to an ageing population |
In this latest publication, they argue that the economic health of the country requires not only that women have more children but that they start families at a younger age. According to Professor Joshi: "Scottish women and particularly better educated women are choosing to have children later, in order to develop their careers."
Professor Joshi and her colleague want government to introduce further measures to change this trend.
"Population ageing is presenting the Scottish people and government with serious economic and social challenges," believes Professor Wright.
"If these are not met by effective public policy, there is a real risk that the standard of living in Scotland will track the decline of the population."
 |  Women have a right to their own career and suggesting that they should take more time out during the early stages of employment is wholly unfair and unrealistic  |
While supporting moves to encourage greater immigration, Professors Joshi and Wright said this will not solve the problem on its own. Scottish National Party MSP Shona Robison expressed concern about the research.
She said: "While it is very clear that Scotland's population needs a boost, it is unrealistic to suggest that the best way to do this is for women to start having children at an earlier age.
"Women have a right to their own career and suggesting that they should take more time out during the early stages of employment is wholly unfair and unrealistic.
"However, it is important that women who do choose to take career breaks to have children are given every support and are not discriminated against."
Ms Robison said that encouraging people from other countries to work in Scotland could assist the economy.
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