UN Survey Highlights Barriers to Family Plans For Young People
A UNFPA survey shows economic challenges are preventing many young people from achieving their goals of marriage and parenthood.
A new UNFPA survey shows that most young people still hope to marry and have children, but economic pressures are delaying those plans.
The Demographic Futures Survey, one of the largest studies of its kind, collected responses from more than 108,000 internet-connected adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and territories. The findings reveal that while many young people continue to value family life, financial challenges are making it harder to achieve their goals. The UNFPA survey found that more than two-thirds of respondents want to marry or live with a partner, while almost 80 per cent believe a stable relationship should come before becoming a parent.
Despite these aspirations, 57 per cent of participants identified financial insecurity, unstable employment, and rising housing costs as the biggest barriers to marriage and long-term relationships. The UNFPA survey also showed that financial stability, secure jobs, and emotional and psychological readiness are the main factors young adults consider before starting a family.
UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita said the findings reflect the optimism many young people still have about their future despite the difficulties they face.
“Young people carry an inspiring sense of hope and a clear vision for their families and futures,” Keita said, adding that removing financial barriers would help them make the choices that are right for them and build stronger communities.
The report also included personal experiences from respondents. A young woman from India said choosing the right partner is essential because raising a child should involve shared emotional and financial responsibility.
According to the UNFPA survey, concerns about falling birth rates should focus less on whether young people value family life and more on creating the economic conditions that enable them to build the families they want.
What measures do you think could help more young people achieve their family and life goals?
