Archive · 4 Aug 2025
Economists' Book on Depopulation, Hindu-Muslim Health Claims
Two economists, Dean Spears and Michael Geruso, wrote a book about the world possibly having fewer people in the future.
They also did research showing that in India, more Hindu babies died young compared to Muslim babies, and they believed it was because of open defecation, which spreads diseases.
The research was funded by multiple groups, including Elon Musk.
The economists said the book's ideas don't reflect the views of their funders.
Their book discusses potential risks, like pandemics and climate change, which could lead to fewer people, but they say they're using them as metaphors to explain more significant issues.
Economists Dean Spears and Michael Geruso authored a book on global depopulation.
Their prior research suggested higher infant mortality among Hindus than Muslims in India.
The economists' research linked the difference to open defecation practices.
Elon Musk provided funding to the Population Wellbeing Initiative (PWI), where they are affiliated.
The economists state their book's views are independent of funders like Musk.
- Who
- Dean Spears and Michael Geruso, and their research was supported by several funders.
- What
- Economists wrote a book on depopulation, citing past research on Indian infant mortality.
- When
- Research discussed was conducted over a decade ago.
- Where
- Research focused on India.
- Why
- The economists aimed to highlight the potential risks of depopulation.
Economist's Stance
Public Discussion
Open Defecation and Infant Mortality
Economist's Stance
Researchers linked higher infant mortality to open defecation.
Public Discussion
N/A
- Book Title
- After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People
- Economists
- Dean Spears and Michael Geruso
- Focus of Book
- Global Depopulation
- Funding Source
- Elon Musk Foundation and others
- PWI Affiliation
- University of Texas at Austin