Naomi Campbell's unsolicited take on Gen Z's perceived absence of maternal instinct draws criticism
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In a recent interview with The Times, British supermodel Naomi Campbell expressed concern about the increasing number of young women being discouraged from having children due to economic factors. The cost of living crisis, the long-term effects of COVID-19, and the rise of social media are just a few of the challenges Gen Z is grappling with, making the prospect of parenthood seem like a distant dream for many.
According to data from Australian research company Red Bridge, over half of 18- to 34-year-olds are opting out of parenthood due to financial challenges. The current financial pressures facing Gen Z include heavy debt burdens, stagnant wages, high living costs, and unaffordable housing.
The average Gen Zer carries over $94,000 in personal debt, a significant increase compared to previous generations at similar ages. Rising living expenses for essentials like groceries, rent, and utilities make consistent saving difficult. Median U.S. home prices have far outpaced wages, with mortgage rates near 7%, making homeownership, a common prerequisite before starting families, out of reach for many.
More than half of Gen Z feel they do not earn enough to live the life they want, contributing to financial stress and uncertainty about supporting a child. These financial pressures create a context where achieving traditional milestones such as owning a home or raising children feels increasingly out of reach.
Campbell, who welcomed two children via surrogate in 2021 and 2023, urged young women to reconsider parenthood, asserting that the financial commitment is "worth it." However, her perspective may seem out of touch with the reality many people are facing.
The fertility rate in 2022, calculated based on the birthrate across different age groups, was 1.49 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to maintain a steady population without significant immigration. This trend is not limited to the United States, as the fertility rate in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1939.
Campbell also acknowledged the importance of mental health among young people, stating that they feel comfortable coming out and sharing that they have a problem, contrasting with previous generations where discussing mental health issues was considered taboo.
While Campbell's perspective on parenthood is commendable, it is crucial to acknowledge the very real challenges that come with it in today's world. Financial stability, housing affordability, and climate anxiety are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed to make parenthood a viable option for more young adults.
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