Growing longing for marriage, children and family

Consumption instead of children? Leisure instead of family? Preferring to invest the money that children cost in personal enjoyment? That's a thing of the past. In the 1980s and 1990s, the younger generation up to the age of 34 wanted less and less to do with marriage and starting a family (1985: 58% – 1994: 53% – 1999: 52%). Now, after the turn of the millennium, a trend reversal is evident: Not sports, hobbies, and vacations are at the center of life, but rather marriage, children, and family (56%). This is the finding of a new representative survey by the BAT Leisure Research Institute, in which 2,000 people aged 14 and over were asked about their attitudes toward life.
„At some point, the fun stops when the question of meaning remains unanswered,“ says Prof. Dr. Horst W. Opaschowski, head of the BAT Institute. „The trend toward individualizing life has passed its peak. The majority of young people are rediscovering the values of stability and reliability. They recognize that caring for their family and their own children ultimately provides more personal fulfillment than always thinking only of themselves.“ A 1999 prediction by the BAT Institute about the new generation is proving true: „They surf around the world in 90 seconds, channel surf through life like a TV channel surfer, and make home their pit stop. Restless and relentless—yet still searching for meaning, stability, and social security. A trend reversal is possible“ (BAT Institute 1999). Now it seems that time has come.
A fundamental shift in attitudes is emerging, although it is developing slowly and will not manifest itself in demographic changes overnight. This is primarily evidenced by the still considerable reservations of young men, who place greater value on their freedom and independence (48% – young women: 31%) and are less convinced that family life leaves enough time for personal leisure activities (51% – young women: 68%). There are vast differences between the two sexes in their attitudes toward marriage and starting a family. Nevertheless, "The society of the self-centered is in retreat," says Professor Opaschowski. "Uncertainty in the job market and declining real incomes mean that the habit of a carefree life of consumerism and self-indulgence is reaching its financial limits. After all, one has to be able to afford sports, hobbies, and vacations."„
The hedonistic society, in which people wanted to have plenty of time "for themselves" without having to think about others, is outdated. The opinion that "you can be happy without marriage, children, and family" is finding fewer and fewer adherents among the younger generation (1994: 46% – 1999: 45% – 2003: 37%). It's no longer just about personal pleasure. Being with others is just as enjoyable. And consistency and the meaningfulness of one's actions are once again taking center stage in life.
Instead of saying a final goodbye to their families, many are finding a compromise: for them, enjoying life and finding fulfillment are no longer mutually exclusive. The younger generation clearly wants both, because even within family life there is still enough time for their own interests.

Previous forecasts from the BAT Leisure Research Institute

„"Shortly before the turn of the millennium, the beginnings of a change in mood are becoming apparent. A trend reversal is possible, even though roughly half (1999: 53%) still vote for enjoying life without regard for family" (June 7, 1999).

„"In turbulent times, the desire for peace and security increases. A comparison of the last three years reveals that Germans are adapting to a new bourgeois lifestyle. Is Biedermeier culture making a comeback?" (November 6, 2001).