Supporting young people in starting a family during their higher education studies is a strategic priority, as it affects the future intellectuals and their children. The National Association of Large Families (NOE) believes it is essential to provide adequate support and a positive example for these young people, encouraging them to confidently have children while studying. The reasons for delayed family formation include social changes, increased career opportunities, and the pursuit of independence. NOE’s research aims to address this.
Why do you think it is important for young people to be able to start a family alongside their higher education studies?
We treat the question of family formation and having children for young people in higher education or those planning to pursue it as a strategic priority. We consider NOE’s involvement crucial, as it concerns the future intellectuals and their children.
Why do you think young people are delaying family formation?
There are several reasons for this. First, Hungarian society has changed significantly in recent decades, as have gender roles. Many uncertainties exist; young people are searching for themselves and each other. One effect of the online world—with many beneficial aspects—is that social skills develop more slowly. Additionally, due to expanding educational opportunities, women have become more independent, often in the majority in many fields within higher education, making professional and career prospects highly attractive. I would also mention the global culture of body and youth, fears stemming from this, and concerns about overpopulation, all influencing decisions. It seems that, increasingly, career success and leisure opportunities are enough for many to feel fulfilled. We also cannot ignore that many lack positive examples and may have negative experiences, which are challenging to overcome. It’s essential, through the power of example, to show that they, too, can lead a happy family life with children.
What suggestions does NOE have to support young people’s childbearing within and outside higher education?
During the preparation-planning phase of the program proposal, NOE has formulated suggestions and ideas across several areas, focusing on positive approaches toward students with children. These cover infrastructure development, professional higher education policy, and social mobility topics. We hope that the research activities under the Erasmus+ program will allow us to make well-founded optimization suggestions concerning the educational activities, academic systems, and dormitory structures of higher education institutions.
Why did you start this higher education research, and what results do you expect?
Observing targeted research programs and emerging statistical data, we noticed that higher educational attainment indirectly or directly increases the likelihood of a second child being born, at least in the plans. We began the current research program in the belief that higher education, the professional and scientific experiences accumulated during university or college years, and not least, the social, cultural, and relational capital could increase the planned number of children in the long run. We primarily expect the program to positively shift perceptions of students with families in partner higher education institutions and to ensure their opportunities are institutionally regulated. As the program progresses, our belief strengthens that the success of research and analysis activities—and the practices tested at the institutional level focusing on positive approaches—can serve as a model for other higher education institutions as well.
