Gary Martin: Australia’s birth rate has hit a record low of 1.5 per woman resulting in fewer cousins

Australia’s birth rate has hit a record low of 1.5 per woman, which, beyond slowing population growth, has also led to a shrinking pool of cousins. Smaller families today mean fewer extended family connections, reshaping the social fabric that has long defined family life. In the past, if you had four aunts or uncles, each with four children, you’d have 16 cousins. Today, with the average family having two children, many kids will have just four first cousins, drastically reducing extended family networks compared to previous generations. Whether you see fewer cousins as significant depends on your experience with them. For some, cousins are inseparable companion. For others, they barely recognise them. Cousins often provide the first friendships outside of siblings, offering a sense of belonging and companionship. For many, cousins are key figures at family reunions and shared vacations. Beyond direct family ties, cousins carry forward family traditions and stories, preserving the heritage that might otherwise fade. As family sizes shrink, cousin relationships may become more distant. While we can’t control family sizes, we can still make an effort to stay connected with the cousins we have. Why not reach out to a distant cousin today? Professor Gary Martin is CEO of AIM WA and a specialist in workplace and social trends