Recent research by scientists from Masaryk University in Brno and Charles University in Prague reveals a dramatic decline in young people’s plans for parenthood, with economic factors and education playing pivotal roles.
The study “Contemporary Czech Family” shows a striking shift in family planning intentions among 18-39 year olds. While 42% of respondents in 2020 planned to have children within three years, this number plummeted to just 30% by 2022. Long-term family planning has also taken a hit, dropping from 58% to 51% over the same period.
Perhaps most concerning is the trend among childless young adults. Only 29% expressed a desire for future parenthood in 2022, down from 39% in 2020, suggesting a growing acceptance of permanent childlessness. The nation’s fertility rate reflects this shift, having decreased from 1.83 to 1.45 children per woman between 2021 and 2023.
Housing status emerges as a surprising factor in family planning. Counterintuitively, young homeowners are least likely to plan for children. Meanwhile, those in rental accommodations show higher intentions for parenthood, with researchers suggesting that having children might represent an “anchor of stability” for these individuals.
Education levels also influence these trends significantly. While short-term planning has decreased across all education levels, the decline is most pronounced among those with lower education. However, only those with university degrees show a decrease in long-term family planning, suggesting a more permanent shift in their life choices.