An Epoch Times survey found broad concern over declining birth rates, with respondents pointing to faith, marriage, family values, economic security and cultural priorities as major factors shaping decisions about children.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
As the U.S. fertility rate remains near 1.6 children per woman, a new reader survey found strong support for larger families and widespread concern that economic, cultural and spiritual shifts are discouraging Americans from having children.
The Epoch Times survey, conducted June 3 and 4 by email and social media, received 1,277 responses. The findings showed that most respondents believe children are central to a fulfilling life and that the country should look for ways to support family formation and growth.
Concerns about falling birth rates have increased as more Americans reach retirement age and policymakers confront long-term questions about Social Security, workforce growth and the future balance between retirees and younger workers.
According to the survey, 87% of respondents said having children is important to living a fulfilling life. Seventy-one percent said they are concerned about declining birth rates in developed countries, while 63% agreed that the belief future generations will be worse off discourages people from having children.
Respondents expressed strong support for families with multiple children. When asked about the ideal number of children for a family, 35% chose three children, 33% chose four or more and 31% chose two. When asked how many children they have or would ideally like to have, 35% said four or more, 29% said two and 27% said three. Five percent said they would ideally have no children, and 3% preferred one child.
A related survey graphic highlighted respondents’ views on family size and the importance of children.
The survey also found that readers see religion, marriage and values as central to the nation’s fertility decline. Eighty-three percent said declining religious faith contributes to lower birth rates, while 89% said the decline of traditional marriage contributes to the trend.
Fifty-seven percent said a lack of support for parenthood discourages people from having children. Eighty-three percent said a sense of purpose and meaning in life encourages people to start or grow families.
The same share, 83%, said modern feminism has contributed to declining birth rates. Eighty-nine percent said a national decline in family values has contributed to the drop.
One respondent said, “A return to traditional values in the home and in the educational system is what I believe we need.”
A second survey graphic summarized responses on religion, marriage and values.
Practical financial concerns also ranked high. Sixty-one percent said economic uncertainty discourages people from having children. Fifty-six percent said housing costs are a deterrent, and 61% said childcare and education costs discourage family growth.
Career priorities were also viewed as a major factor, with 78% of respondents saying they discourage people from having children. Nearly three-quarters, 74%, said social media and digital entertainment reduce interest in family formation.
One respondent pointed to economic pressure as a possible cause, saying that “Economic relief from the massive fraud, which has caused the tax rate to explode,” could help address declining birth rates. “This allows people to take less money home.”
A third survey graphic showed how respondents weighed economic, housing, childcare, career and digital influences.
When asked what change would be most effective in encouraging people to have children, 46% selected renewed religious and spiritual values. Sixteen percent chose a stronger sense of purpose and meaning in life, while 13% pointed to economic security.
Another combined 13% cited greater support for parenthood, lower child-rearing costs or more affordable housing as the most effective way to encourage family growth.
Write-in responses included support for “safety for the future,” “strong marriages” and greater “value and support of motherhood.”
Another respondent described the issue as cultural, saying, “A society that is not wrapped up in itself [becomes] less me-oriented.”
A fourth survey graphic showed how readers ranked potential solutions.
The survey results suggest that respondents see America’s fertility decline as both practical and cultural. Many pointed to rising costs and economic instability, but larger shares emphasized faith, marriage, family values, meaning and cultural priorities as key drivers of whether Americans choose to have children.
The findings come as the country continues debating how lower birth rates could affect the workforce, entitlement programs, schools, communities and family life in the decades ahead.
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