Only 46% of Argentines see having children as very important, study finds

Only 46% of Argentines now consider having children very important for a fulfilling life, down from 77% in 2015, according to a longitudinal study by the Universidad Austral's Institute for Family Sciences. This marks the lowest level since the survey began in 2000. The decline coincides with a 47% drop in births between 2014 and 2024, from 777,012 to 413,135, and a fertility rate of 1.2 children per woman, placing Argentina among Latin America's ultra-low fertility countries Source: lavozar; Source: infobae.

The shift is most pronounced among those under 35, where only 34% view parenthood as very important. Among childless respondents who do not wish to have children, the primary reason is identity-related: 57.3% say parenthood simply does not form part of their life project. Other factors include lacking a stable partner (38.2%), preferring travel or experiences (32.6%), and prioritizing career or studies (30.3%) Source: infobae. Economic reasons were less cited.

Global uncertainty

For the first time, the study asked about global context: one in four respondents who do not want children cited environmental, political, or social uncertainty as an influencing factor Source: lavozar. Researchers emphasize that the data do not reflect a rejection of the family as an institution, as family life remains the main source of personal satisfaction for Argentines.