Finns having fewer children due to recession

The Finnish people’s desire to have children has waned with the recession.

 The ideal number of children per family now averages a little less than two. Five years ago, Finns wanted 2.5 children per family.

 “The recession is having a clear effect. If the respondents themselves are concerned about the situation, it affects the desire to have children,” said the Population Association’’s family barometer compiler, Anneli Miettinen.

More than normal numbers of low-income and unemployed respondents stated that they do not want children at all.

 “Do we have a situation here where the poor cannot afford children,” asked Population Association Executive Director Eija Koivuranta

The actual birth rate in Finland remains lower than the ideal number of children. The previous recession in the 1990s had no such dramatic effect on birth rates. At that time, many postponed their first child, but second and third children were born into families at higher rates than ever before.

In the 1990s, there was a home care allowance, which was initially granted alongside unemployment benefits. In addition, many municipalities paid out additional benefits.

According to Koivuranta and Miettinen, family benefits significantly affect the desire to have children.

“No individual benefit is a solution, but rather the whole package [of benefits]. It is important to the long-term approach of family planning,” observed Koivuranta.

Income benefits for families with children particularly affect the desires for children among low-income families. The middle class gets more family leave and more flexibility with their work life.

FINLAND TIMES