Young adults want relationships, children and hopeful futures amid financial, job insecurity – UNFPA
Orisemeke Benjamin
Young adults around the globe still cherish traditional life goals like marriage and raising children, but economic headwinds and job instability are forcing many to put their family plans on hold, according to a landmark study by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The new report, titled Lives, Choices and Futures: What young people want and what shapes their decisions about relationships and parenthood, draws on a massive survey of 108,926 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories. It offers a rare window into the personal trade-offs young people face as global fertility rates continue to slide.
Contrary to popular narratives suggesting a cultural shift away from family life, the survey reveals that desire for partnership remains high. Marriage was cited as the ideal arrangement by two-thirds of respondents, while only a small minority expressed a desire to remain childless.
However, systemic barriers heavily influence whether those aspirations turn into reality. When asked what shapes their readiness to start a family, financial security topped the list at 88 percent, closely followed by stable employment at 87 percent and emotional readiness at 85 percent. Economic constraints and housing costs were highlighted as the single biggest obstacle to both forming partnerships and having children.
“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. By investing in their dreams today, we are building a more resilient and thriving tomorrow.”
The findings highlight a distinct disconnect between political discourse and personal motivations. While governments often frame demographic declines around workforce shortages or national birth targets, young adults view parenthood through a human lens: 80 percent named the personal joy and happiness children bring as their primary motivation. Government incentives and civic duty ranked among the least influential factors.
Despite economic anxiety, security risks, and rising inequality, optimism persists, two-thirds of respondents reported feeling positive about their personal futures.
The UNFPA suggests policymakers reconsider their approach to falling birth rates. Rather than urging citizens to have more children to meet economic goals, governments should address the structural barriers—such as affordable housing, parental leave, accessible childcare, and fair wages—that enable young people to freely build the lives they already desire.
