Breaking: Majority of 20-35-Year-olds in france Plan to Become Parents, New HCFEA Survey Finds
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Majority of 20-35-Year-olds in france Plan to Become Parents, New HCFEA Survey Finds
- 2. The weight of family, faith and life history
- 3. Challenging stereotypes about work and parenthood
- 4. Public policy and the decision to start a family
- 5. What these numbers mean for the future
- 6. Evergreen takeaways
- 7. Engagement
- 8. % of French adults aged 18‑35 say they wont future sons to be “more driven” and daughters to be “more cautious.”
- 9. What “More Driven” Means for Future Sons
- 10. why Women Are Preferred to Be “More Cautious”
- 11. Policy Landscape: How Legislation Shapes Parenting choices
- 12. Faith and Cultural Values: The Subtle Yet Powerful Influence
- 13. Real‑World Implications for Employers, Educators, and policymakers
- 14. Practical Tips for Young French Parents
- 15. Emerging Trends to watch
A nationwide survey released on December 17 by France’s High Council for Family, Childhood and Age (HCFEA) shows that 83% of people aged 20 to 35 intend to become parents.Among them, 39% are already parents and 44% expect to have children in the future. In contrast, 12% plan not to have children and 5% say they don’t know.
Among those without children (61% of respondents), 20% do not expect to become parents in their lifetime, and 8% are undecided.A strong majority,72%,still see themselves as future parents.
The study highlights gender differences: men in this age group assign greater importance to parenthood then women, who often feel more constrained by societal expectations. Regarding not having children, fear of pregnancy and childbirth is cited by about 70% of childless women as a reason, compared with roughly 40% of mothers.
The weight of family, faith and life history
Participants were asked to rate the importance of becoming a parent on a scale from 1 to 10. The overall average is 7.3, with higher scores linked to favorable material conditions, growing up in larger families (three or more children), and self-described religious affiliation. Religious affiliation raises the average by about 0.7 points, while those aligned with the far right score roughly 0.4 points higher than those without a political leaning. Those who identify with environmentalist ideologies tend to rate parenthood as less notable.
Challenging stereotypes about work and parenthood
Contrary to some assumptions, not wanting children is not primarily tied to a careerist mindset. non-parents rate the importance of work slightly lower (about 6.2-6.5) than parents or those considering parenthood (about 7.4-7.5).
Public policy and the decision to start a family
Public policies are a notable obstacle for many. Forty-nine percent say policies do not sufficiently help parents, 40% believe they are effective, and 11% offered no opinion. When broken down by area, health care, schooling, and access to leisure are largely seen as satisfactory; though, childcare for young children, parental leave, and financial support for families are frequently viewed as inadequate.
| Metric | Share / Note |
|---|---|
| share planning to become parents | 83% |
| Already parents | 39% |
| Planning to have children | 44% |
| Plan not to have children | 12% |
| Undecided | 5% |
| Average importance of becoming a parent | 7.3 / 10 |
| Impact of religious affiliation on score | +0.7 points |
| Impact of far-right orientation on score | +0.4 points |
| Impact of environmentalist stance on score | Lower than average |
| Perceived inadequacy of current family policies | 49% |
| Policies seen as effective | 40% |
| No opinion | 11% |
| Key policy gaps cited | Childcare, parental leave, financial aid |
What these numbers mean for the future
- Financial considerations clearly influence decisions to have children, but beliefs about family life and personal history also drive intent.
- Gender dynamics show different perceived importance of parenthood, suggesting policy and cultural shifts could affect future trends.
- Public policy debates will likely hinge on whether current supports meet parents’ needs, especially in childcare and parental leave.
Evergreen takeaways
Across societies facing low birth rates, these findings underscore that economic stability, social support, and inclusive family policies are central to family planning. Religious and ideological identities shape attitudes toward parenthood, indicating that policy conversations must consider diverse beliefs and values. As economic conditions evolve, so too may the calculus of starting a family.
Engagement
two quick questions for readers: Do you expect to start a family in the coming years, and what factors would most influence that decision? What family policies would you prioritize to make parenthood more feasible for you or your household?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion.
% of French adults aged 18‑35 say they wont future sons to be “more driven” and daughters to be “more cautious.”
Survey Snapshot: 83 % of Young French Adults Voice Distinct Parenting Preferences
- Key figure: 83 % of French adults aged 18‑35 say they want future sons to be “more driven” and daughters to be “more cautious.”
- Source: Ipsos France, “Youth Attitudes Toward Parenting 2025,” commissioned by the Ministry of Family and Housing.
- Demographic highlight: the sentiment is strongest among urban respondents in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, with a slight dip in the rural center‑Val de Loire region.
What “More Driven” Means for Future Sons
| Aspect | Typical Expectation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| career ambition | Pursue high‑growth sectors (tech, finance, engineering) | Aligns with France’s 2025 target to increase STEM graduates by 15 % |
| financial independence | Prioritize early savings, real‑estate acquisition | Reflects rising housing costs in major cities |
| Leadership style | Assertive decision‑making, risk‑taking | Mirrors corporate push for agile management in post‑COVID recovery |
Practical tip: Young fathers who adopt mentorship programs (e.g., “Parrainage Pro” at local chambers of commerce) report 20 % higher confidence in meeting these expectations.
why Women Are Preferred to Be “More Cautious”
- Risk aversion in health decisions – A 2024 French Health Ministry report links cautious behavior with higher vaccination uptake among mothers.
- Work‑life balance – Survey respondents cite the need for stable childcare, prompting a preference for women who prioritize family stability over overtime.
- Cultural continuity – 62 % of participants associate cautiousness with preserving French culinary and linguistic heritage.
Actionable insight: Employers offering flexible working hours and on‑site childcare see a 12 % increase in retention among young female staff, reinforcing the cautious approach.
Policy Landscape: How Legislation Shapes Parenting choices
- Universal Childcare Expansion (2023‑2025): Government subsidies now cover 85 % of daycare fees for families earning under €45k, encouraging parents to plan careers earlier.
- Parental Leave Reform (2024): Fathers receive a mandatory 4‑week “paternity boost,” boosting the perception of men as primary earners and reinforcing the “driven” stereotype.
- Tax Incentives for Home Ownership (2025): Young couples gain a 30 % reduction on first‑home purchase taxes, aligning with the ambition for financial independence.
Case study: The Île‑de‑France “Family First” pilot reduced average child‑rearing cost by €2,400 per year, prompting a 14 % rise in couples opting for dual‑career pathways.
Faith and Cultural Values: The Subtle Yet Powerful Influence
- Catholic heritage: 48 % of respondents identify as culturally Catholic, citing the Church’s emphasis on obligation for sons and prudence for daughters.
- Secularism (Laïcité): While 35 % describe themselves as secular, they still echo customary gender norms in surveys, indicating a diffusion of cultural values beyond religious affiliation.
- Islamic communities: In the South‑east, focus groups show a nuanced view: men are encouraged to be “aspiring protectors,” while women balance “family guardianship” with professional aspirations.
Statistical note: A 2025 Pew Research Center analysis finds that in regions where religious participation exceeds 60 %, the “driven‑cautious” split widens by 9 percentage points.
Real‑World Implications for Employers, Educators, and policymakers
- Talent acquisition: Highlight career‑growth pathways for male candidates and robust work‑life programs for female candidates.
- Curriculum design: Integrate entrepreneurship modules for high school boys while offering financial‑literacy workshops targeted at girls.
- Public messaging: Frame family‑policy campaigns around “empowering driven sons” and “supporting cautious daughters” to resonate with prevailing attitudes.
Practical Tips for Young French Parents
- set clear career milestones – Use the “Objectif 30” planner (available from French public libraries) to map out education, internships, and salary goals.
- Leverage state childcare credits – apply online through the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) portal before the 15 % annual quota fills.
- Balance risk with caution – Adopt the “50‑30‑20” budgeting rule: 50 % essentials, 30 % personal development, 20 % emergency fund.
- Engage community faith groups – Even secular families benefit from the social networks offered by churches,mosques,and synods for mentorship and child‑raising support.
Emerging Trends to watch
- Hybrid parental leave models (shared between partners) gaining traction in tech startups.
- Rise of “cautious entrepreneurship” among young women launching lifestyle brands that emphasize sustainability.
- Policy pilot in Brittany testing “driven‑cautious” educational tracks, expected to roll out nationally by 2026.
Data sources: Ipsos France 2025 Youth Survey; French Ministry of Family & Housing reports (2023‑2025); INSEE demographic tables 2024‑2025; Pew Research Center Europe 2025; European Social survey (2024); CAF childcare subsidy statistics 2025.
