Childlessness is becoming a significant concern in Finland, with recent research revealing a growing imbalance in the partner market. According to a study conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), the percentage of childless men is notably higher than that of women, highlighting a troubling trend in family formation across the country.
From 1989 to 2019, the study analyzed Finnish register data at the municipal level using logistic regression models. The findings indicate that 29 percent of men remain childless, compared to only 21 percent of women. This disparity in childlessness has received limited attention in demographic studies, prompting further investigation into the underlying factors contributing to this trend.
Regional Partner Markets Impact Childlessness
The research suggests that regional partner markets significantly influence the likelihood of remaining childless. The partner market, defined by the availability of men and women aged 18 to 49, varies across municipalities based on factors such as place of residence, education level, and age. The study found that childlessness is particularly prevalent among less educated men.
Henrik-Alexander Schubert, one of the researchers involved in the study, stated, “There are signs of increasing disadvantage for men with lower educational attainment.” He explained that a stable income is essential for attracting potential partners, a factor that becomes even more critical in regions where men outnumber women.
The study revealed that the probability of childlessness increases in areas with a surplus of men. Schubert noted that about 0.587 percentage points of childlessness among men can be attributed to a lack of available female partners. While this figure may seem small, it represents thousands of individuals in Finland whose family situations are affected by structural disparities in the partner market.
Consequences for Society and Future Generations
These unfavorable partner market conditions may help explain the rising rates of childlessness and the widening gap between childlessness among different educational groups in the Nordic countries. The findings highlight a growing divide between higher-educated and lower-educated men, with the latter facing increasing challenges in forming families.
The implications of this trend extend beyond individual circumstances. The expanding group of childless men may encounter significant disadvantages in the future, including familial, socioeconomic, and geographic challenges. Schubert warns that these men will likely rely on affordable professional care services in their later years, as they may not have the financial means for private services or a support network of relatives to assist them in times of need.
As this demographic shift continues, it is crucial for policymakers and society to address these emerging social issues. Henrik Schubert’s contributions to this field of research were recognized when he received the Julia Mead Knox Memorial Prize, underscoring the importance of understanding and responding to the dynamics of childlessness in Finland and beyond.
In summary, the findings from the MPIDR study illuminate the complex interplay between regional partner markets and childlessness rates in Finland. With increasing childlessness among men, particularly those with lower education levels, it raises important questions about the future of family structures and societal support systems across the country.
