Economic hardship stopping youths from starting families, says UN

Young people worldwide still aspire to marriage, long-term relationships, and parenthood, but economic hardship is a significant barrier, a new survey by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) reveals. The Demographic Futures Survey, which polled over 108,000 adults aged 18-39 in 73 countries, challenges the notion that younger generations are abandoning family life. Instead, it identifies financial insecurity, unstable employment, and housing challenges as the primary obstacles.

“

Young people carry an inspiring sense of hope and a clear vision for their families and futures. When we break down financial barriers and support their agency, they can make the choices that are right for them.

Across diverse regions, respondents consistently cited the need for financial security, stable jobs, and adequate housing as crucial preconditions for starting families. "Young people carry an inspiring sense of hope and a clear vision for their families and futures," said Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA. "When we break down financial barriers and support their agency, they can make the choices that are right for them."

“

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.

The survey found that more than two-thirds of respondents wish to marry or cohabitate, with nearly 80 percent viewing partnership as essential before becoming parents. However, about a quarter of those aged 25-39 who desired a partner were single and not dating, with men more frequently reporting this situation. "Overall, 57 percent of respondents identified economic and housing constraints as the biggest barriers to marriage or a stable cohabiting relationship," the report noted.

“

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

Testimonies gathered by UNFPA align with these findings. One young woman from India emphasized the importance of finding the right partner for shared emotional and financial responsibility in raising a child. Similarly, a young man in Paraguay highlighted that raising a child presents a greater challenge than conception. The UNFPA suggests that discussions on declining fertility should shift focus from whether young people value family to creating the necessary conditions for them to build the families they envision.

“

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.