Economic concerns are causing young Europeans to delay or even forgo parenthood, leading to a decline in birth rates. As Europe’s population continues to age, it becomes essential to understand the reasons behind this trend. Demography expert Daniele Vignoli conducted an experiment in Italy and Norway in 2019, where he showed 800 couples in their 20s and 30s newspaper headlines about the economy. The purpose was to investigate how negative media coverage affects people’s decisions regarding when or if to have children.
The results of Vignoli’s experiment highlighted a common theme among the participants—uncertainty about the future. Many couples expressed that their own economic struggles, such as lack of employment opportunities or affordable housing, made them feel unable to start a family. Additionally, there was a general increase in anxieties about the state of the world, further deterring couples from having children.
Vignoli, a demography professor at the University of Florence in Italy, leads a project called EU-FER, which aims to explore the changing fertility patterns in Europe and the multiple anxieties influencing these changes. He emphasizes that the fear of an uncertain future is causing more Europeans to postpone or opt out of having children.
Italy, for example, has seen a significant decline in birth rates. In the 1960s, the average number of children per Italian couple was 2.4. Today, it is only 1.25, below the EU average of 1.53. The average age at which Italian women have their first child is 31.6 years, among the highest in Europe. These figures fall below the “replacement level” necessary to maintain a stable population size in the absence of migration.
Vignoli notes that the consequences of an aging population go beyond the increasing number of elderly individuals. It also means a decreasing number of younger people. In 2022, more than half of Europe’s population was older than 44.4 years, and over a fifth was over 65.
One significant factor impacting birth rates in Europe is the 2007–2008 global financial crash. Unlike previous economic shocks that caused temporary dips in fertility, the 2007–2008 meltdown led to continued declining birth rates even after the economy recovered. This event marked a turning point when people’s uncertainty about the future became more prominent. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the subsequent economic crisis further intensified these concerns.
Dr. Anna Matysiak, an expert in employment and family dynamics at the University of Warsaw in Poland, coordinates the LABFER project. This initiative, funded by the EU, explores how fertility is influenced by job-market trends such as automation and flexible work hours. Matysiak’s research has shown that occupations with labor-replacing technologies, like Germany, Italy, and Sweden, are more likely to delay childbirth. Structural changes in the labor market can disrupt family life and even contribute to higher divorce rates.
Increased automation in the workplace and the need for reskilling also affect fertility decisions. Matysiak explains that workplace changes create uncertainties and take away time that could be spent on childbearing and childrearing. Manual workers are particularly affected by labor-replacing technologies and tend to be more cautious about starting a family.
While flexible working arrangements have become more common, benefiting those in highly skilled jobs, manual workers are at a disadvantage. Although increased work flexibility may lead some couples to have more than one child, it hasn’t brought forward the age at which people have their first child.
Both Vignoli and Matysiak believe that the impact of uncertainty on birth rates will only grow in the future, especially as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent. They argue for more government support at work and home to boost confidence in starting or expanding a family. Matysiak suggests policies that help individuals stay in the labor market, including counseling and training opportunities. Additionally, she calls for regulations to prevent long working hours and the spillover of work into family life.
As Europe’s population continues to age and rely on younger generations, declining birth rates pose uncertainties for everyone. Vignoli emphasizes that demography not only shapes our past but also determines our future.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
