Overwhelmingly, women are increasingly dissatisfied with our modern conditions, to the extent that no Hugo Spritz or pair of Jimmy Choos can cure. A 2023 Cardus study found that over half of Canadian women are having fewer children than they would like. Contrary to what you might assume based on Canadian conservative messaging, the predominant factor here is not affordability or housing costs. This study found that the most influential factors affecting fertility rates relate to the idea that children are burdensome, parenting is time-consuming, and that women want to finish self-development and exploration before starting families. Somewhere between avoiding pregnancy from ages 15-29 and self-actualizing ourselves into six-figure, corner office jobs, it appears we have lost our way. Raised on a heady cocktail of Sex and the City, Girls, Lean In, and She-EOs, it’s no wonder we find ourselves here, in a society that prioritizes material success over family formation. Women who have been incentivized to put off having children to build a career are becoming increasingly aware that their lives are missing something.
