The Reason People Aren't Having Kids

Birth rates in the United States and other wealthy countries have been declining for nearly two decades, with the total fertility rate in the U.S. dropping to 1.62 in 2023, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. Economic factors, such as high childcare costs and inadequate parental leave, are often cited as reasons for this trend. However, evidence from countries with generous family policies, like South Korea and France, shows that financial incentives alone do not significantly increase birth rates. Instead, a deeper issue may be at play: a lack of meaning and purpose in life among younger generations. Many young adults express uncertainty about the value of life and their own purpose, which can overshadow the perceived benefits of having children.

Books by Catherine Pakaluk and others explore this ambivalence, highlighting that while some women find joy and meaning in large families, many others feel anxious about the implications of parenthood. The authors argue that current policies fail to address the existential concerns that influence fertility decisions. They suggest that without a clear sense of purpose or belief in the goodness of life, financial incentives are unlikely to encourage people to have children. The challenge lies in fostering a cultural or societal framework that provides individuals with the confidence and motivation to embrace parenthood, as government policies alone cannot fulfill this need for meaning.