Marriage

Education first.
Work second.
Marriage third.
Then the baby carriage.
To be in a ‘better spot’ relationship wise when they get married and when they have kids.

Since the 70s, higher income marriage has been about steady. Middle income was at the same 80% rate in the 70s but has steadily declined more than 10%, and lower income, which was 60% is now 40%.

Since the 60s high school grads have decreased. And their incomes. Women have a more secure footing. One member of the financial undertaking of marriage, the man, is less marriageable.

Also, there is less religion, it is said. A lot of babies are born out of wedlock in some parts of the world, but in others, like Japan, only 2% or babies are so born.