Rapid Decline in Fertility Rates Warned by UN, Pocketbooks Strained
Having Fewer Kids: The Root Causes
The United Nations (UN) has acknowledged an "unprecedented global decline in fertility" as reported by Sky News. A team of experts from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) delved into this issue, polling over 14,000 individuals from 14 countries representing a third of the world’s population. The survey covered diverse countries such as India, the USA, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Thailand, South Africa, Italy, Morocco, Sweden, Hungary, South Korea, and Nigeria.
Why's Parenthood Losing Its Charms?
The survey revealed a few key factors that lead people to shun parenthood. Major concerns included the high cost of raising children, job insecurity, scanty affordable housing, fears about the world's future, and lack of a suitable partner. The report underscored that economic uncertainty and gender inequality play a significant role in these issues.
Financial Barriers to Baby Dreams
Approximately half of the respondents highlighted economic reasons as a barrier to realizing their desired number of children. The most affected countries were South Korea (58%) and Nigeria (49%), while Sweden reported the least financial obstacles (19%).
In other nations such as Thailand (19%), the USA (16%), South Africa (15%), and India (48%), financial concerns also lingered. However, it's crucial to note that the majority of those surveyed still harbored a desire to be parents. A significant portion (38% of women and 35% of men) in the surveyed countries aspired for 2 children, while an additional 15% wished for 3 children.
Unexpected Bundle(s) of Joy
Another interesting finding was that every third woman surveyed had encountered an unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, close to one in ten people mentioned that the unequal distribution of family care responsibilities curbed their ability to become parents.
The enrichment data reveals a more nuanced picture:
- Financial Limitations: High costs associated with housing, childcare, and job insecurity are significant barriers. More than half of respondents cited financial factors as a significant barrier to having more children.
- Barriers to Healthcare: Access to affordable fertility and pregnancy-related medical care is limited, further restricting reproductive choices.
- Fears About the State of the World: Concerns about global issues like climate change, wars, and pandemics also influence family size decisions.
- Gender Inequality: Lack of gender-equal and family-friendly workplaces and policies exacerbates women's burden, leading to lower fertility rates.
- Lack of Supportive Policies: The absence of supportive policies such as paid family leave and respect for reproductive rights hinders people's ability to make reproductive choices.
Overall, these findings shed light on how systemic barriers rather than a lack of desire for children drive the decline in fertility rates.
- The high cost of raising children, concerns about job insecurity, and a lack of affordable housing are contributing factors to the decreased appeal of parenthood, as revealed in a survey by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
- Moreover, the report indicates that financial barriers, such as high costs associated with housing, childcare, and job insecurity, are significant deterrents to having more children, with more than half of respondents citing financial factors as a substantial hurdle.
