One in four childless Gen Z and young millennial adults have no intention of ever having children, a study has found.
Research of 1,000 18-34-year-olds who haven’t started a family found only 55 per cent plan to have children in the future, with another 20 per cent unsure what they will do.
While 25 per cent have already made the decision to live their life without children, with financial issues (47 per cent) and fears about the state of the world (38 per cent) among the top reasons why.
But half (49 per cent) simply want to have more time to focus on themselves while 35 per cent are concerned about the impact having children would have on the environment.
Others have made the choice due to prioritising career aspirations (28 per cent) or existing health issues (22 per cent).
Despite this, 71 per cent of young adults believe there is ‘societal pressure’ to have children, with 40 per cent also feeling this directly from family members.
Mums (68 per cent) are most likely to apply the pressure, followed by grandmothers, then fathers.
A spokesperson for research agency OnePoll, which commissioned the study, said: “For generations, having children has just been the done thing, but it seems younger people are now deciding against this more and more.
“Not only are finances squeezed more than ever, but young adults are becoming more aware of the impact on society and the environment.
“But the societal expectation is still there, and for most people once they’re in a relationship, they can expect people to be asking them about children.”
The study also found that less than half (49 per cent) of all those polled believe it’s important for a person to have children in order to feel fulfilled in their lives.
And even those who do intend to have children don’t plan to have more than two, with 56 per cent citing general financial constraints for not wanting a larger family.
More than four in 10 (43 per cent) worry they wouldn’t have enough time to give too many children all the attention they needed.
But 27 per cent are also worried about environmental concerns, such as resource usage and their impact on climate.
Young adults feel the ideal age for having children is 28, with 28 per cent somewhat or a lot more likely to procreate if the government provided 30 hours of universally free childcare to all under-5s.
Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) are also ‘very concerned’ about the impact having children may have on their career – with men slightly more worried about this than women.
Of those who do want to have kids, 76 per cent want to experience the joy and love that comes with raising a child, and 51 per cent want to fulfil a sense of purpose.
While 26 per cent are looking to provide a source of support and companionship in their old age.
OnePoll.com’s spokesperson added: “There are myriad reasons why someone may decide to have children.
“But on the other hand, there are just as many – equally valid – reasons to not want to pass down your DNA.
“Young adults should feel empowered to make their own decisions, and also it’s important to be flexible and realise that things in life can change.
“Someone may decide at 25 they never want to have children, then change their mind at 35 – which is perfectly fine.”
Listen to The Times Breakfast discussion here
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