Part 4/9:
The Economic Reality: Costs and Pressures of Parenting
Another critical factor driving the decline in birth rates is economic pressure. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and soaring house prices create an environment where starting a family feels like a financial burden. Estimates suggest that raising a child to adulthood can cost upwards of $260,000, excluding higher education expenses. The disparity between wages and housing costs has widened significantly since the 1970s, leading families to feel economically incapable of raising children.