In the "Horyzonty" program hosted by Patrycjusz Wyżga, demography expert Mateusz Łakomy analyzes the causes of the deepening decline in birth rates in Poland. The conversation focuses on the problem of partner selection, the impact of smartphones on relationships, and the upcoming shocks to the pension system. These are phenomena that, in the coming decades, will force profound changes in the domestic labor market and in the wallets of future retirees.
In the 82nd episode of the "Horyzonty" series, Patrycjusz Wyżga hosts Mateusz Łakomy, author of the book "Demografia jest przyszłością. Czy Polska ma szansę odwrócić negatywne trendy" (Demography is the future. Does Poland have a chance to reverse negative trends). The full conversation can be watched on YouTube at Horyzonty – interview with Mateusz Łakomy. The main axis of the discussion is the paradox of Polish demography: the declarative desire to have children clashes with the barrier of lacking a life partner and the conditions to start a family.
Diverging expectations and the impact of technology
The analysis presented in the material shows that the model of family life in Poland has changed significantly in recent years. Mateusz Łakomy points to the growing difficulties in building lasting relationships between men and women. Among the causes of this phenomenon, the speakers cite the diverging expectations of both genders and cultural shifts.
A separate part of the discussion was devoted to technology. Smartphones and dating apps, instead of facilitating the building of long-term relationships, often trivialize contacts and make it difficult to establish a deeper bond. Consequently, some people postpone the decision to enter into a committed relationship or abandon it entirely, which translates directly into a decline in the number of births.
Economy, labor market, and the role of employers
The demographic crisis is primarily an economic problem. The material discusses the consequences of the aging of the Polish population:
- a decline in the number of people of working age and the growing burden on the state pension system,
- the need for companies to redefine their offerings due to the changing age structure of customers,
- the impact of housing availability and employment stability on decisions regarding parenthood.
As noted in the discussion, the state is not the only actor responsible for supporting fertility. Increasing responsibility lies with enterprises. Among the solutions facilitating the balance between professional and family roles, flexible working hours and parent support programs created by employers themselves were mentioned.
What does this conversation mean for the reader?
The issues raised in the program concern every working Pole. The persistent low fertility rate means that future pensions from the public pillar will be relatively low, and the actual retirement age may increase under the pressure of labor shortages. For companies, a shrinking population means a requirement for automation and the adaptation of products to older consumers.
Information about commercial cooperation
This episode of the "Horyzonty" program was created in commercial cooperation with mBank as part of a campaign promoting retirement savings ("Nie jutraj myślenia o emeryturze z mBankiem"). The material contains a link to the bank's retirement offer with a disclaimer regarding investment risk.
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