Is the Global Population Decline Linked to Happiness Decline?
It is clearly documented that global population is tanking in most parts of the world. Could this decline be related to declining happiness, worldwide? There is interesting data indicating this could be the case.
In a recent article over at Public Discourse, professor Margarita Mooney Clayton, who teaches practical theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, asks “What are the social implications of a world with fewer children?” It is important to note that we are having fewer children, largely below replacement level, not because of any outside force discouraging us. We are doing so by choice. We are choosing not to marry in greater numbers and increasingly putting education and career before producing the next generation of humanity. This comes with certain substantial costs, namely a threatened human future and declining overall happiness.
Professor Clayton explains,
Daily Citizen has documented the research showing this fact over the past few years here, here, and here. There are other research-based indicators that children lead to greater happiness. In the Gallup research group’s 2025 World Happiness Report, they have a whole chapter on how growing families foster greater happiness globally. Their scholars state, “Happiness is nurtured in relational spaces and the family is at the heart of these connections.” They note that “two-parent households are associated with higher levels of life satisfaction among adult members, while adults living in single-person and single-parent households tend to experience lower levels of happiness.”
Data from the 2022 edition of the General Social Survey – what the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) calls “the nation’s preeminent social barometer” – shows that “a combination of marriage and parenthood is linked to the biggest happiness dividends for women.” Leading IFS scholars Brad Wilcox and Wendy Wang add, “Among married women with children between the ages of 18 and 55, 40% reported they are ‘very happy,’ compared to 25% of married childless women, and just 22% of unmarried childless women.”
The happiness differentials for U.S. married mothers looks like this.
The happiness differentials for married fathers are similarly positive.
Wilcox and Wang explain,
Professor Clayton correctly observes at Public Discourse,
She is absolutely correct, concluding “Happiness is not an achievement; it’s a gift. Children are a blessing.” As the IFS scholars summarize, “As difficult as marriage and parenthood can be, in general, men and women who have the benefit of a spouse and children are the most likely to report that they are ‘very happy’ with their lives.”
Say “Yes!” to having children … and enjoy greater overall happiness.
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