Yogyakarta, February 24th 2026 — Dr. Umi Listyaningsih, S.Si., M.Si., from the Population Doctoral Program, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM), revealed that Generation Z demonstrates an increasing rational perspective in determining the ideal family size. The findings were obtained with a study entitled “Adolescents’ Perceptions of Family Planning and the Ideal Number of Children,” conducted among senior high school students in the regency/municipality capitals of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. This research was part of the Graduate School UGM Research Grant for the 2025 Fiscal Year, implemented from March to November 2025.
The study employed a quantitative approach and was further enriched with focus group discussions (FGDs) with first-semester university students and representatives of policymakers from the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN). The study aligns with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, education, and family well-being.
The findings indicating decisions regarding the number of children are no longer dominated by tradition or social pressure. Generation Z carefully considers economic factors, readiness to undertake parenting roles, and parental responsibility in fulfilling children’s needs.
According to Dr. Umi Listyaningsih, this shift in perspective reflects the maturity of the younger generation in understanding the meaning of family. “Generation Z no longer merely follows traditional norms in determining the number of children. They prioritize the quality of parenting, financial readiness, and family life balance as key factors in defining the ideal family size,” she explained.
They believe that having fewer children enables parents to provide greater attention, education, and optimal parenting quality, thereby supporting children’s overall growth and development. In addition, parental happiness is perceived as an important factor in sustaining a stable household.
Generation Z is also aware of the importance of maintaining the quality of marital relationships and achieving a balance between work and family life. Therefore, the ideal family size is chosen to avoid excessive pressure that could potentially disrupt household harmony and parents’ mental health. This perspective is consistent with SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being.
Overall, Generation Z’s perception of the ideal family reflects an orientation toward quality parenting, family welfare, role equality, and shared happiness. These findings provide valuable input for the formulation of population policies and family planning programs, particularly in designing approaches that are relevant to the values and mindset of the younger generation to support sustainable family development.
Source: Umi Listyaningsih
Editor: Asti Rahmaningrum
Photo: Umi Listyaningsih