Young people value partnership and parenthood but barriers block their dreams
Global Fertility Rates Decline Due to Economic Pressures, Not Rejection of Family Life
Young people value partnership and parenthood - Contrary to common belief, declining fertility rates worldwide stem from economic and housing challenges, rather than a rejection of marriage, children, or family life. This insight comes from a comprehensive new survey by UNFPA, the United Nations' reproductive and sexual health agency, which refutes the notion of a “global baby bust.”
Survey Highlights Key Obstacles to Partnership and Parenthood
The Demographic Futures Survey, spanning 73 countries and territories, gathered responses from over 108,000 adults aged 18 to 39 connected to the internet. Participants consistently identified financial stability, steady employment, and housing as the primary hurdles to forming partnerships or starting families.
“Young people embody a hopeful perspective and a defined aspiration for their families and futures,” remarked Diene Keita, UNFPA Executive Director. “When we dismantle financial barriers and empower their autonomy, they can make decisions aligned with their values. Investing in their aspirations today fosters a stronger, more enduring society tomorrow.”
Revisiting Public Perceptions of Fertility Trends
The report contends that debates on fertility and population change frequently misidentify the core issue. Instead of questioning whether young people value family life, the survey emphasizes understanding the conditions needed to support their desired relationships and futures.
Global fertility data reveals that the average number of births per woman has dropped from five in the 1950s and 1960s to over two in 2024, with projections indicating a further decline to 1.8 by 2100. Currently, 55% of countries and regions report fertility rates below 2.1, the threshold for population replacement without migration.
Myths About Youth and Family Planning
UNFPA’s findings challenge several misconceptions, including the idea that feminism drives fertility decline. Many women still lack control over their reproductive choices, with roughly 10% unable to decide on contraception, 25% unable to manage their healthcare, and 25% unable to refuse sex.
More than two-thirds of respondents expressed a desire to marry or cohabit, and nearly 80% viewed partnership as essential for parenthood. However, among those aged 25 to 39, about a quarter wanted a partner but were single and not dating, with men more often reporting this than women.
Shared Responsibilities and Emotional Readiness
Participants emphasized that family-related decisions face similar attitudes from both genders. Yet, women consistently ranked financial concerns, infertility, and health issues as more critical obstacles than men did. The survey underscores that financial security, stable employment, and emotional preparedness are the top prerequisites for parenthood.
“Having a child is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in raising them,” noted a young man from Paraguay.
The study also dispels the myth that young adults are selfish or lack motivation for parenthood. It highlights that declining teen birth rates are a public health achievement, not a demographic crisis. Fewer adolescent pregnancies allow more girls to pursue education and reduce risks associated with early childbearing, while many will still become parents later in life.