Survey: Public Opinion on Voluntary Childlessness

Debates are a dime a dozen — from the rich vs. poor, the Boomers vs Gen Z, employees vs employers, and consumers vs businesses, we’ve seen it all. And let’s not forget the never-ending clash between the north and south, the woke and unwoke, the vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores, the flip phones, and budget phones, and even Marvel vs. DC. But wait, there’s a new trend crawling in, and it’s causing quite a stir— and it’s voluntary childlessness.

Foregoing Parenthood

Young couples worldwide are choosing to opt out of parenthood and embrace childlessness forever, defying societal norms and facing the stigma that comes with it. Sadly, no matter their cultural or socioeconomic background, they often face unfounded criticism and stereotypes about their life choices.

These couples are choosing voluntary childlessness, a decision that is often met with scorn and judgment from those who do not understand their perspective. Critics say that a life without children is meaningless and that childless couples will have no one to care for them in their old age. But perhaps the most insulting remark is that they will never feel complete unless they have a child.

Childless couples make rational and informed decisions, weighing the pros and cons and choosing what’s best for them. They refuse to succumb to societal pressure and refuse to be defined by their parental status.

Crossing the Hurdles

Some have mustered the courage to challenge these outdated beliefs and celebrate those who choose a child-free life. But are there no dark sides to it?

Childless employees don’t enjoy the benefits that their counterparts do, who have children. Additionally, more than one million people aged over 65 without children in the UK are “dangerously unsupported” and at acute risk of isolation, loneliness, poor health, poverty, and being unable to access formal care.

Despite these challenges, childless couples remain unapologetic, knowing that having children does not guarantee happiness, nor does it define one’s worth. They reject the insulting remark that they will never feel complete unless they have a child.

While studies show that some people regret being childless when they get older, they’re in the minority. Researchers found that a quarter of child-free couples came to regret the decision once they were past child-bearing age and began contemplating old age alone.

Marching Ahead

Voluntary childlessness is a choice made by individuals who value their autonomy and recognize that having children is not the only path to a fulfilling life. But, this choice is often met with both societal and familial pressure, as having children is seen as a traditional expectation in most cultures.

Arguably, it enables greater focus on personal and professional goals, reduces the strain on the environment, and allows for a more fulfilling life without the responsibilities and financial burdens of parenthood. However, critics argue that it goes against the natural biological drive to procreate.

To understand how society perceives voluntary childlessness, what the possible causes and impacts are, and what the future holds for this trend, Real Research has launched this survey on public opinion on voluntary childlessness. Hence, hurry and answer the survey on “Public Opinion on Voluntary Childlessness” on the Real Research app from March 26, 2023. After that, you will receive 60 TNCs as a reward.