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

Tok Hua Jun, Lwi Jia Xin, Mohamad Amri Maulana Bin Suroso, Ma ChenHao, Foo Yang and Faizah Mohd Fakhruddin
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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

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 3, 4470-4487

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.

Date: 2025
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