> I think the real answer is that now people are faced with the choice and many are simply choosing not to. Moreover... many people are living very interesting

> I think the real answer is that now people are faced with the choice and many are simply choosing not to. Moreover... many people are living very interesting engaging lives without kids that would have been impossible before due to the previous centrality of children to the social scene. In the past, not having kids was met with suspicion. Having children opened doors, economically, socially, and professionally, for better or worse. Today, you are probably going to have more opportunities without kids. Indeed having kids limits you, versus someone who does not.