Fewer people are deciding to have children
A Pew Research Center survey shows a rise in U.S. adults under 50 choosing not to have children, from 37% in 2018 to 47% in 2023, citing personal choice and financial concerns.
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A recent Pew Research Center survey indicates a significant increase in the number of adults under 50 in the United States choosing not to have children, rising from 37% in 2018 to 47% in 2023. The survey, which included over 3,300 childless adults, explored the reasons behind this trend and the experiences of those who do not have children. Many respondents cited personal choice as the primary reason for not having kids, with financial concerns, infertility, and societal pressures also playing roles. Experts suggest that current generations feel more empowered to express their preferences regarding parenthood, contrasting with past societal expectations.
The survey revealed that while some childless individuals face societal pressure and feelings of exclusion, many report fulfilling lives and strong connections within their communities. Licensed psychologist Dr. Linda Baggett emphasized that it is valid for individuals to choose not to have children, and psychotherapist Carissa Strohecker Hannum noted that concerns about the world and personal mental health often influence this decision.
Respondents highlighted that not having children allows them to focus on careers and personal passions, with many finding fulfillment in community involvement and personal development. The findings challenge the stereotype that childless adults are unhappy, suggesting that a fulfilling life is not solely defined by parenthood.
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4 commentshttps://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/07/25/the-exp...
Some immediate things that jump out at me:
* Large rise/drop in those not wanting vs wanting kids since 2018 for the under-50 crowd (10% and 11%, respectively)
* 57% of the under-50 just don't want kids. The second is much the same ("focus on other things" 44%). You have to get to the third and fourth reason before external factors come in ("Concerns about the world" 38%, "Can't Afford" 36%) and "concerns about the environment" comes in a distant 5th at 26%
* Both under-50 and over-50 who don't/didn't have kids have very positive feelings about it, until it comes to interacting with friends with kids. A full third of respondents report positive job and career outcomes without kids.
* A whopping 2/3rds of over-50 have nieces and nephews, which fill the gap for kids.
* "About a third of older adults without kids say they, rather than a sibling, would provide more care for their parents."
* "78% of single adults under 50 who say they're unlikely to have kids report that this hasn't impacted their dating life."
Humans weren’t naturally designed to make that choice.
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