Costs, careers and choice: Why Indians are having fewer children
Summary
Many young people in India are choosing to have fewer or no children. This change is linked to career goals, higher education, and the rising costs of raising children. Recent government data shows India’s birthrate has fallen below the level needed to keep its population stable.Key Facts
- India’s total fertility rate (average children per woman) has dropped to 1.9, below the 2.1 needed for population replacement.
- In the 2000s, the fertility rate in India was about 3.3 children per woman.
- Access to education and contraceptives has improved, helping reduce the birthrate.
- Rising costs of raising children influence couples' decisions to have fewer kids.
- Many Indian women now prioritize careers and personal goals over traditional expectations of marriage and having children.
- Doctors note that couples often consider their careers first when planning children.
- Social pressure to have children is still present but is weakening as more women become financially independent.
- Stories from individuals in Bengaluru show personal choices shaped by the desire for professional success and life experiences.
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