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Shaping Modern Families: A Study of Family Size Determinants among Malaysian Millennial Parents

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  • Tok Hua Jun

    (Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Lwi Jia Xin

    (Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Mohamad Amri Maulana Bin Suroso

    (Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia AQS Services Sdn. Bhd., Johor, Malaysia)

  • Ma ChenHao

    (Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Foo Yang

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Faizah Mohd Fakhruddin

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

Abstract

A complex interplay of social and economic issues that shape reproductive decision-making in this diverse nation influences Malaysian households’ determination of family size. This study explores the key factors influencing family size determination among Malaysian millennial parents. The qualitative research approach and case study design were used in this study. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted with five millennial informants born between 1981 and 1996, with different sociocultural backgrounds. The research findings reveal two major factors contributing to family size decisions, i.e., social and economic factors. Sub-themes under social factors are the spousal agreement, women’s education, space in the house, social status, children’s necessities, contraception, lifestyle, concept of blessing, religious upbringing, and family policy. Meanwhile, sub-themes under economic factors are income and financial stability, cost of education, healthcare and insurance, and cost of future dowry. This study provides insight into new couples and their considerations for determining their family size. The small sample size, leading to an inability to achieve generalizability is the limitation of this study. This study further recommends future research to expand the sample size by incorporating quantitative research methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Tok Hua Jun & Lwi Jia Xin & Mohamad Amri Maulana Bin Suroso & Ma ChenHao & Foo Yang & Faizah Mohd Fakhruddin, 2025. "Shaping Modern Families: A Study of Family Size Determinants among Malaysian Millennial Parents," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3), pages 4470-4487, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-3:p:4470-4487
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