Economic hardship stopping youths from starting families, says UN

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Young people around the world continue to value marriage, long-term relationships and parenthood, but financial insecurity, unstable employment and housing challenges are preventing many from achieving those goals.

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This is according to a major new survey released by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday.

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The Demographic Futures Survey, one of the largest and most geographically broad studies of its kind, surveyed more than 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories.

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The findings challenge assumptions that younger generations are turning away from family life, instead pointing to economic conditions as the principal obstacle to partnership and parenthood.

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Across regions, respondents identified financial security, stable employment and housing as the biggest barriers to starting families.

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“Young people carry an inspiring sense of hope and a clear vision for their families and futures,” said Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA.

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Keita stated, “When we break down financial barriers and support their agency, they can make the choices that are right for them. By investing in their dreams today, we are building a more resilient and thriving tomorrow.”

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According to the survey, more than two-thirds of respondents said they want to marry or live with a partner, while almost 80 per cent said partnership was an important precondition for becoming a parent.

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“Among respondents aged 25 to 39, however, about one-quarter said they wanted a partner but were single and not dating, with men more likely than women to report this.

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“Overall, 57 per cent of respondents identified economic and housing constraints as the biggest barriers to marriage or a stable cohabiting relationship,” the survey noted.

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The findings reflect testimonies gathered by UNFPA through its work with young people.

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As one young woman from India said: “finding the right partner is important because I believe that raising a child should be a shared responsibility with emotional and financial support from both parents.”

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The survey also found that financial security, stable employment, and psychological and emotional readiness were the three most important conditions respondents considered necessary before having children.

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“Bringing a child into the world is only one step. The real challenge is raising them,” said a young man in Paraguay.

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UNFPA said the findings suggest discussions about declining fertility should focus less on whether young people value family life and more on the conditions needed for them to build the relationships, families and futures they want.

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