To coincide with the launch of the Fondation Grandir barometer, IFOP unveils the results of its survey of French attitudes to the birth rate.
When asked about the obstacles to having children, the majority of French people cite: lack of purchasing power (88%), the perception that they don’t want children (74%), access to suitable housing (72%), the unstable geopolitical context (70%), the lack of nursery places (65%) and climatic risks (54%).
52% of French people are worried about the falling birth rate in France, versus 48% who are not. Depending on the age of the person interviewed, the results vary: 66% of those aged 65 and over express concern, versus just 37% of 18-24 year-olds.
When it comes to family policy, 47% of those questioned have a good image, compared with 53% who have a poor one. Opinions vary according to political proximity: a mostly negative image among LFI (63%) and RN (62%) supporters, more balanced among LR (48%). Conversely, it is largely positive among PS (62%), Écologistes (63%) and Renaissance (85%) supporters.
Overall, most French people trust the private sector to manage healthcare (65%), early childhood (63%) and education (58%).
Finally, the French recognize certain social advances: 69% feel that France has made progress in terms of equality between men and women on birth issues over the past 25 years. Similarly, 63% feel that the reconciliation of family and professional life has improved, and 60% consider that children are sufficiently valued in society. More broadly speaking, early childhood remains a major issue: 76% would like to make crèches and nursery schools – the first 2,000 days of life – a major national cause.
