Thuringia experiences male population decline - Thuringia Experiences Male Population Decline
Thuringia Sees Decline in Male Population and Fathers
The population of men in Thuringia has dwindled over the past decade, according to data from the Statistical Office of the Free State. In comparison to ten years ago, 28,000 fewer men currently reside in the region, bringing the total to 891,000. This decrease is reflected among fathers, with 3,000 fewer living with dependants.
The decline in the number of fathers living with at least one child under their roof has decreased by 1.5%, to 221,000. Of these, 163,000 are fathers of minor children, who, interestingly, have seen a 4.9% increase, amounting to 8,000 additional fathers. Statisticians attribute this increase to a baby boom between 2015 and 2017 when around 17,000 children were born per year. In contrast, the birth rate dropped to around 11,800 by 2024.
Half of all Thuringian fathers fall between the ages of 35 and 49, while one-third are between 50 and 64. A tenth are aged between 15 and 34, with the age group of 65-year-old fathers having the smallest share at 7.8%. Concurrently, there are 561,000 childless men and 109,000 single sons living with parents or at least one parent.
Statisticians based their analysis on data from the Microcensus, an annual representative household survey where around 1% of the population is questioned. In this survey, any man living with at least one child in the household is considered a father.
Demographic trends, economic factors, and societal shifts have contributed to this decline in Thuringia's male population and the changes in family structures. While younger men may be migrating in search of better job opportunities, the region's less dynamic economy could be a contributing factor. Additionally, the overall trend of low fertility rates in Germany may compound the effect of the diminished male population on the number of prospective fathers.
- To address the dwindling male population and changing family structures in Thuringia, a comprehensive community policy focusing on employment opportunities and family health could be implemented to attract and retain young men.
- The science of demography, combined with health-and-wellness strategies, can provide valuable insights into the decline of men in Thuringia, as well as strategies to improve both family-health and men's-health outcomes for future generations.
- Encouraging responsible parenting through effective education and support programs, particularly among young fathers, may help reverse the trend of decreasing birth rates and uneven age distribution among Thuringian fathers.
