Factors Influencing Marriage and Perception towards Voluntary Childlessness: A Comparative Study among Millennials and Gen Z.

Marriage and childbearing have traditionally been central to Indian social and cultural life. However, changing generational values and evolving socio-economic conditions are reshaping how Millennials and Gen Z perceive these milestones. With greater autonomy, exposure to digital media, and shifting priorities, younger generations are increasingly open to delaying or rejecting conventional expectations like marriage and parenthood. This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data. The sample included 100 unmarried individuals: Millennials (aged 28-44) and Gen Z (aged 18-27) from across India. Data collection involved a self-constructed scale assessing attitudes toward marriage and the standardized Attitudes toward Voluntary Childlessness Scale (AVCS). Quantitative data were analyzed using JASP, and qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. This is among the first studies in India to compare generational attitudes toward marriage and voluntary childlessness using a combined methodological framework. Quantitative results revealed that Gen Z participants prioritized emotional readiness and financial independence over societal expectations to marry. In contrast, Millennials were more influenced by traditional values and family pressure. Gen Z also showed higher acceptance of voluntary childlessness, often citing mental health, environmental concerns, and lifestyle autonomy as reasons. Thematic analysis supported these findings, emphasizing Gen Z's openness to non-traditional paths, while Millennials displayed a more cautious balance between tradition and autonomy. The study reveals a clear generational shift in how marriage and childbearing are viewed in India. These insights carry implications for social policy, mental health services, and future family planning initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]