Why Young Adults Are Skipping Parenthood

A profound shift is reshaping society as more young adults opt to delay—or entirely forgo—parenthood. Birth rates have dropped to record lows globally and especially in the United States, sparking concern among economists, policymakers, and communities. But the reasons behind this generational decision are complex and deeply rooted in today’s realities.

Economic Pressures Dominate

For many millennials and Gen Z adults, financial constraints are the primary reason for skipping or delaying having children. The costs of housing, education, and child care have soared, while wages have often failed to keep pace. A 2024 survey found that 43% of young adults prioritized financial freedom, and an equal percentage said that simply couldn’t afford the high expenses of raising children. Factors such as escalating mortgage rates, persistent inflation, and employment instability have only intensified these anxieties3. For some, the dream of parenthood is postponed in favor of economic security, career advancement, and maintaining their current lifestyle.

Shifting Priorities, Changing Values

Beyond economics, cultural and personal values have evolved. Younger generations place a strong emphasis on personal fulfillment, travel, creative pursuits, and building careers before considering starting families. Parenthood, once seen as a near-inevitable milestone, is now viewed as a major life choice—if not a “lifestyle option”—rather than an assumed expectation. Some young adults report that they value experiences, autonomy, and self-development above traditional family roles.

Education and Career Aspirations

The rise in educational attainment—especially among women—has contributed to later and fewer births. Lengthy periods spent in education and the desire to establish a stable career before raising children have led many to postpone parenthood into their late thirties or beyond. The perceived “opportunity cost” of childbearing, particularly for those with demanding careers, influences decisions. The potential loss of income, stalled career advancement, and lack of family-friendly workplace policies further complicate the decision to have children.

Social and Psychological Factors

Societal expectations, the pressure to be a “perfect” parent, and exposure to intensive parenting norms on social media can create overwhelming barriers. Many report not feeling “ready” emotionally or mentally to take on the responsibility. The uncertainty of finding a suitable partner, weakened social support systems, and anxieties about the stability of long-term relationships also deter young adults from starting families.

Broader Concerns: Future Uncertainty

Concerns about the future play a significant role. Worries about climate change, political instability, and the health and safety of future generations have prompted some to intentionally opt out of parenthood. For a growing minority, the choice to remain childfree reflects not just personal preference, but apprehension about the world their children would inherit.

Is This Trend Here to Stay?

Demographers suggest that as long as these economic, social, and cultural factors remain, birth rates are unlikely to rebound quickly. Even robust policy interventions—such as financial incentives or expanded parental leave—may do little to reverse the trend if young adults’ underlying priorities and perceptions remain unchanged.

In summary: Young adults skipping parenthood is not about indifference, but a result of financial realities, evolving values, and rational responses to today’s challenges. This generational choice is changing families, economies, and how we define adulthood itself.