The image of who remains childless is shifting, with recent research revealing that men, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, are more likely to be childless by circumstance, rather than choice. A study in Norway showed a stark difference in childlessness rates, with 72% of the lowest earners remaining childless compared to just 11% of the highest earners. Robin Hadley, a man who wanted children but faced financial and social challenges, wrote a book exploring why many men like him are unable to become fathers. His research found that factors like economics, biology, timing, and relationship choices contribute to male childlessness.
This week, data showed that birth rates in England and Wales had dropped to their lowest ever, reflecting a global trend of rising childlessness. In many cases, this childlessness is not voluntary but due to factors such as financial struggles or biological infertility, sometimes referred to as “social infertility.” Sociologist Anna Rotkirch suggests that having children is increasingly viewed as a “capstone” event—something to do once other life goals are met, rather than a foundational step in adulthood. Financial insecurity is particularly affecting young people’s decisions about starting families, with those in lower-income groups more likely to remain childless.
How do you think social, economic, and cultural factors are shaping the trend of childlessness, and what implications might this have for future generations?
