This is one of the most pronounced declines in the birth rate in Latin America
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Since 2014, birth rates in Argentina have dropped by 40%, marking one of the most pronounced declines in Latin America, according to a recent report by the Observatory of Human Development and Vulnerability at Universidad Austral.
The study reveals that the country is undergoing a transformation in its demographic profile, evidenced by the increase in the elderly population and a greater number of women heading households, among other aspects.
The report, based on figures from INDEC, indicates a sustained growth of childless households, which represented 57% of the total in the 2022 census, compared to 44% recorded in 1991.
Una madre con su bebé.
The percentages have practically reversed in the two analyzed periods: in 1991, 56% of households had at least one child under 18, and 44% did not. Currently, 57% of homes have no children under 18, compared to 44% that do, reflecting a clear change in family structure, driven by the decline in births and increase in longevity.
The results were presented on Thursday, May 15, coinciding with International Family Day. According to the United Nations (UN), this day aims to "raise awareness of the essential role of families in the education of children from early childhood, and the learning opportunities available for children."
Among the main changes in family dynamics is the growth of single-person households, which currently constitute 25% of the total, compared to 13% recorded in 1991.
Meanwhile, there has also been a notable increase in the number of single-parent households, predominantly headed by women. At the same time, the proportion of elderly people has seen a considerable increase: adults over 85 years old have gone from representing 1.5% to 11.8% of the population since 1991.
Una pareja con su bebé.
The decline in birth rates in Argentina highlights not only demographic transformations but also deep social changes that influence decisions related to family planning.
This concerning situation is due to the country's economic situation in recent years, the lack of certainty about the future, the emigration of young people to other countries, and the push for abortion. In this context, changes in maternity patterns are evident: the average age for having the first child is currently between 30 and 34 years.
In statistical terms, the study reveals that the average number of children per woman has dropped to 1.4 nationwide, reaching a concerning minimum value of 0.9 in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA).
The study on the transformation of Argentine family structures revealed a sustained increase in childless households or those without children under 18 over the past three decades.
The data shows that, in 1991, 44% of homes did not have children under 18, while in 2022 that percentage rose to 57%, representing a growth of 13 percentage points over thirty years.
