More Gen Z say they’ll own a pet than have a child, despite valuing parenthood more

Welcome to the 2026 Life Aspirations report which explores how people across 30 countries view a successful life today. Our survey finds a focus on economic security, with stable employment and home ownership considered more important than marriage or parenthood. 

There’s remarkable alignment between older and younger generations on what’s considered an important sign of a successful life. But differences appear when it comes to who believes they can achieve these – suggesting that ‘delayed adulthood’ may be a result of barriers to access rather than changing values.

Key takeaways from the report:

• Economic security is a priority. On average across 30 countries, having a stable full-time job (65%) and home ownership (58%) lead as the biggest markers of a successful life.
• Men place greater importance on traditional family markers. Across almost every market, men are more likely than women to view marriage (+7pp) and parenthood (+5pp) as important signs of a successful life.
• Gen Z align with older generations on what marks a successful life. Despite what headlines might suggest, Gen Z broadly share older generations’ views on which life milestones are most important.
• Pets over parenthood for Gen Z in Western countries. Almost six in ten (58%) Gen Z in Western countries have either already owned a pet as an adult or expect to do so in their lifetime. Just 44% say the same of becoming a parent.
• Gen Z’s lack of confidence. Every generation is less confident than the one before about reaching major milestones – and much more likely to say they’ll feel sad if these milestones remain unmet. 
• Income buys opportunity. Higher-income households are more likely to regard traditional milestones as important, more likely to have achieved them already, and more confident of achieving those still outstanding.