A new Michigan State University study reveals a striking shift in family planning choices, with the number of individuals choosing to remain child-free doubling over the past two decades.
The comprehensive research, analyzing data from 80,000 U.S. adults under age 45 between 2002 and 2023, shows the percentage of people who don't want children has jumped from 14% in 2022 to 29% in 2023.
"We have societal expectations about people wanting children, but that's changing," says Jennifer Watling Neal, MSU psychology professor and study co-author.
The research breaks down non-parents into distinct categories, moving beyond previous studies that grouped all child-free individuals together. These categories include "not yet parents" who plan to have children later, "childless" individuals who wanted children but couldn't have them, and "child-free" people who actively choose not to have children.
While "not yet parents" remain the largest group, their numbers have declined substantially. The percentage of non-parents planning to have children dropped from 79% to 59% between 2002 and 2023. Meanwhile, the childless category - those who wanted children but couldn't have them - has remained stable at 3-4% of the population.
The findings suggest potential implications for healthcare and financial services. Neal points out that child-free individuals may need different approaches to financial planning and medical services, including access to birth control and sterilization options.
While this study didn't investigate the reasons behind the growing child-free trend, previous research by Pew Research Center has identified several factors: medical concerns, financial constraints, and potential limitations on career advancement or personal freedom.
The research appears in the National Council on Family Relations' "Journal of Marriage and Family," offering valuable insights into evolving attitudes toward parenthood in the United States.