In this globalised world with increased job opportunities for both genders , more adults are choosing to have children later in life. This is fast becoming a trend as adults are prioritising their career and social life more. This has impacted society and family systems across nations in multiple ways.
It has been observed that young people are becoming more ambitious by the day, irrespective of the gender. This is a global trend as most young adults are driven and career-oriented from a tender age. Due to this, most young adults are putting off marriage or having children during their twenties. Additionally, the rising costs is another factor, due to which, young adults put off having children completely or have children only when they have saved up enough. Moreover, with joint family systems declining, the necessary support to raise a child is also lacking. Women are often not keen on leaving their lucrative careers in order to devote their time in taking care of a baby, as often this can translate into long career breaks.
While this trend has meant economic prosperity for the families, society and the nation, but on the flip side, it has had certain negative effects on family systems and the society. With more young adults avoiding having offsprings or deciding to have children at a later age, the percentage of old population across nations is increasing. An example in this regard is Japan, where the majority of population is old. With less energetic young people in their society, managing several essential services is becoming a challenge and they have been forced to open their immigration gates inviting young people to fulfil these job roles. Moreover, in several other nations, there is a chasm in society as parents are much older than before, and are often unable to relate to the mindset of their children, who share no similarity with their parents.
To sum up, having children later in life can ensure economic well-being and a comfortable life for individuals but it can have far-reaching effects on the whole society and a nation, which might result in negative outcomes.