Young people still want marriage and children - if they can afford them
A global UN survey reveals that young adults still desire marriage and children but are delaying these milestones due to financial instability and high housing costs. The findings suggest that economic barriers, rather than a lack of interest, are driving declining birth rates.
Why it matters
Understanding the economic drivers of demographic shifts is crucial for policymakers addressing aging populations and birth rate declines.
Many young adults say they hope to marry and have children, but rising living costs are making them think twice about when to start a family. (Envato Elements pic)
PETALING JAYA: For years, younger generations have been accused of giving up on marriage and parenthood in favour of careers, travel or personal freedom.
A new United Nations survey, however, suggests a different reality: most young adults still hope to settle down and start families - they simply don't feel the time is right.
The findings, published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), challenge the notion that younger generations are turning their backs on family life.
Instead, they point to financial pressures, housing costs and job insecurity as the biggest obstacles to making those aspirations a reality.
The 2025-2026 Demographic Futures Survey gathered responses from more than 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories.
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