Demographic studies reveal gaps in parenthood desires in Argentina and Spain

Recent demographic surveys in Argentina and Spain highlight a gap between the desire for parenthood and the practical ability to achieve it.

In Argentina, a UNFPA study reveals that 54% of men aged 18 to 45 have not had as many children as they would like. While 68% of men consider fatherhood essential for a fulfilling life, only 21% take an active role in daily caregiving tasks beyond play. Additionally, 33% of men express concern that having a child could negatively impact their romantic relationships.

In Spain, the 2025 Fertility Survey from the National Statistics Institute shows that 69% of women aged 18 to 55 desire at least two children. However, 34.8% of mothers have fewer children than they intended due to work, economic factors, or difficulties with work-life balance. The average number of children per woman in Spain currently stands at 1.10, despite nearly half of the population expressing a desire for larger families.