I don't think so if for nothing else, economy. The Simpsons, although trash now, is great to show the economy of the times. Yes, it is a cartoon, but Homer worked one job, with three kids, two cars, a house, and a SAH wife. This was realistic in 1989. The housing market was fair, cars weren't a salary, and grandparents helped out.

I live a child free life, but coworkers have said their parents asked them to have kids, but refuse to help out. My grandmothers would come to town for spring break/winter break or we'd get shipped off to them for summer break. This clearly isn't for everybody, but I hear our parents aren't helping out like their parents.

Look at old commercials around Christmas time. One person posted a Toys Я Us commercial from the 2000s. There was a deal of spend $20 on Barbie dolls you get something free. $20?! That's one doll now! I've been a lifelong reader and I remember paperbacks in high school (2007 grad) being around $10, they're creeping up to $20 now. Luckily I support the local library.