system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
I think it's not only about being able to afford, but, I do believe there's also a change in what "social norms" dictate....
Many women (also men, but that was the norm) are focusing on their careers before becoming parents and experiencing the world (living alone, travelling, enjoying themselves, etc, etc) our grandparents and some of our parents didn't get the chance or had studied/were working before becoming housewives, not that there's something wrong with it. My mum studied and worked but became a housewife when I was born, and only returned to work when my youngest brother turned 21.....
So, it has to do with economy but also with fulfilling personal wishes....
And it seems that people are having a harder time becoming parents....there are many people with fertility issues that affect them.
Personally, I've been trying to conceive for the last 4 years, many tests done, nothing seems to be wrong with me or my partner, yet we're not pregnant and I'm not the only one on the same boat, so I guess there's something going on be it stress or whatever....
gpt
Also, the idea that things like dating apps and social media make it so there are so many choices for the 'right partner'. So I don't think people are choosing a life partner as easily.