An authoritarian regime that demands increased birth rates despite existing shortages in essential resources likely has broader socio-political objectives in mind. The emphasis on raising birth rates might be rooted in a desire to expand the workforce, increase the population for nationalistic reasons, or secure future electoral support by reshaping demographics. However, managing this alongside food and housing shortages presents a significant challenge, especially with an aware and potentially dissenting older population.
Older generations, who have more experience and historical context, might not only resist or critique the regime’s directives but could also be seen as obstacles to imposing new social orders or policies. This could lead the regime to employ several strategies for addressing these challenges. They might engage in tactics to marginalize or discredit older individuals, using propaganda to portray them as out of touch or resistant to necessary change. Alternatively, they could enact more coercive measures, such as restricting their political rights, controlling their access to essential services, or even resorting to intimidation.
Moreover, the regime could aim to redirect societal focus by crafting narratives that frame new policies as beneficial for future generations, thereby minimizing the concerns of those who might resist change. Another potential approach is to create intergenerational tension, positioning the youth as key to the nation’s future prosperity and subtly undermining the authority of older generations.
Ultimately, the treatment of the older population hinges on the regime’s goals and the degree of control it seeks to establish. Handling dissenters with historical and experiential awareness delicately is critical to maintaining stability while pursuing demographic or ideological objectives.
