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Life without children: More and more women in Lower Saxony prefer it!
A recent survey shows that women in Lower Saxony are increasingly considering a life without children while the birth rate is falling.
Life without children: More and more women in Lower Saxony prefer it!
What motivates young women in Lower Saxony when it comes to the desire to have children? According to a recent survey by... NDR 54% of those surveyed between the ages of 20 and 44 have no problem leading a fulfilling life without children. This continues in an area of tension: 56% of the participants stated that they had always wanted to have children. Given the high birth rate in Lower Saxony, where 78% of women aged 35 to 44 are mothers, this raises interesting questions.
The survey, which was conducted in summer 2024 with 1,889 participants, also shows that the desire to have children does not only depend on personal considerations. Many express concerns about financial aspects, relationship problems or the difficulty of balancing family and work. What is particularly striking is that 38% of single parents could not afford vacation in 2024, which has at least an indirect impact on family planning.
The influence of financial and social factors
The desire to have children is increasingly influenced by external circumstances. Many women have concerns about deciding to have children these days. A nationwide study by Federal Institute for Population Research shows that although the desire to have children remains high among young adults, the birth rate in Germany has fallen. In 2024 it was only 1.35 children per woman, a significant decline since 2021.
The study also shows that there is little difference in the desires of men and women to have children. On average, women want 1.76 children and men want 1.74 children. However, many couples remain undecided about their desire to have children or postpone it indefinitely, often influenced by uncertainties such as economic worries and international crises.
Ambivalence and social change
The current discussion surrounding the desire to have children also has a deeper psychological dimension. The term “desire to have children” is not only an expression of biological needs, but also reflects social norms and personal life plans. Many women and men are confronted with a strong inner conflict: While the desire to have children is there, financial and professional insecurities bring with them fears that cannot go unnoticed. At the same time, a good partnership is a crucial factor, as Christine Arbogast notes. A balanced partnership can increase well-being and quality of life.
A look at the demographic trends shows that academic women often expect their partners to reduce their employment in order to be able to better combine family and working life. Sharing effort and concern for children could reduce the pressure on mothers. This is particularly important since 75% of mothers prefer to work part-time to meet the demands of work and family.
Conclusion: time for political action
As a society, we are faced with the challenge of improving the gaps in support for families and couples. Experts are calling for more political measures, particularly in the areas of childcare and affordable housing. Breaking down outdated role models and providing resources could help close the “fertility gap”, i.e. the gap between the desire to have children and the actual birth rate, as highlighted in various studies.
Overall, the desire to have children is a complex topic that reflects both personal wishes and social circumstances. It remains to be seen how these trends will develop and what measures will be taken to improve the realities of life for couples in Lower Saxony and beyond.