Childfree from the Perspective of Society, Psychology, and Religion in Indonesia

In recent years, Indonesians have been busy discussing a new culture they have heard of. The culture is child-free. This issue surfaced because it began with a statement from an Indonesian influencer named Gita Savitri. She stated that she chose to live her married life without children or childfree. She also said that childfree would make her look younger. But what exactly is child-free? Is this a lifestyle that has only existed in the last few years?

According to Ramdani & Kurniawan (2023), childfree is a life choice of a married couple not to have children during their lives, whether biological, step, or adopted. Childfree wants to ensure that women who choose not to have children will not feel left behind or feel wrong in making decisions. Childfree highly prioritises human freedom in life. People who practice childfree do not consider their lifestyle a problem and are very rational in implementing it. The word Childfree began to be heard and spread in the early 1970s, especially in Northwest Europe. So, this term can be classified as new in human civilization. But the practice was already going on during the Renaissance, about 15-20 percent of women, especially women living in cities, decide not to have children for the rest of their lives. So, we can conclude that childfree is not a new culture, the term is indeed new in Indonesian society. However, this lifestyle practice has been implemented since the Renaissance

However, the big culture in the West does not seem to fit the lifestyle of society in Indonesia. Indonesian society that is very close to the culture of "many children, many fortunes" will feel that the child-free culture is unreasonable to implement. However, many Indonesian people, especially the current generation, actually agree with the child-free culture. The difference in views is what causes debate in society.

1. Psychology Perspective

Based on research data (Rindu Fajar Islamy et al., 2022), 121 respondents were the samples in this study. The 121 people consisted of 76 women and 45 men. 89.3% of respondents were aged 18-25, while 11.7% were under 18 or over 25 years. The data shows that 58.7% of respondents disagreed with the childfree lifestyle, while 41.3% agreed with the childfree lifestyle. This indicates that Indonesian society still seems to follow traditional culture, which believes children are part of marriage. However, the development of the era and the effects of globalisation seem to influence significantly the mindset of Indonesian people, especially Generation Z, in filtering and implementing a Westernised lifestyle.

Childfree appears to be very difficult to accept for the majority of people in Indonesia, apart from the data above, which shows that the majority of Indonesian people reject childfree, culturally and socially; childfree will also be considered different and inappropriate. In Indonesia, children are an essential part of the family and are even awaited in a marriage. It feels like something is missing if a marriage does not have a child in it. That is the picture of Indonesia's culture and lifestyle, and most people still agree with and adhere to this lifestyle. Children are also important in life because a child will continue the lineage continuously. Imagine if everyone in the world adopted a child-free lifestyle; life in the world would not last long.

The presence of childfree through social media has indeed been proven to impact the mindset of Gen Z. Gen Z who are more open to issues and problems will not reject the childfree lifestyle outright. Not a few Gen Z are also pro this lifestyle. They feel that it is a human right and is considered a wise choice considering the difficulty of taking care of children and economic problems. Childfree is also legally permitted in Indonesia; Law Number 52 of 2009, article 1, paragraph 6 states, "The family is the smallest unit in society consisting of husband and wife, or husband, wife and child, or father and child, or mother and child". The law states that a husband and wife without children are also considered a family.

In conclusion, although this issue is a debate in society and is divided into two camps between pros and cons. Most Indonesians still reject the existence of a child-free lifestyle and are reluctant to apply it in family life. However, if you really want to adopt this lifestyle, it will not be a problem because it is part of Indonesia's rights and is also protected by law.

2. Society Perspective

It divided into four aspects such as positive & negative impacts, psychological theories, and effects on mental health

a. Positive Impacts

• Independence: Independence has a significant positive impact on childfree. Without the responsibility of being a parent, individuals will easily make their own decisions, develop their identity and determine where their lives will go.
• Self-development: Self-development is a positive impact of childfree that allows individuals to focus on education, career, and personal development in terms of skills and knowledge, and will also increase self-awareness and self-esteem.
• Relationship quality: Childfree can improve the quality of relationships with partners because we will have more time to communicate, share and then can reduce stress and pressure and increase trust in each other.
• Freedom: Freedom is a positive impact of childfree that allows individuals to use time for hobbies and interests, travel, and make decisions without considering the needs of children
• Financial ability: Childfree can improve financial ability because it will reduce the cost of living, increase savings and investments and allocate resources for personal needs

b. Negative Impacts

• Loneliness and isolation: Childfree can cause feelings of loneliness due to not having children to share experiences and emotions. This can worsen the quality of life and increase the risk of depression.
• Social stigma and family pressure: Society still has traditional views about the role of parents. Childfree can cause pressure from family and society, which worsens mental health.
• Loss of parental role: Childfree can cause loss of identity and social role as a parent, which affects self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Impact on relationship quality: Childfree can affect the dynamics of a couple's relationship, both positively and negatively. Couples can focus more on their careers and relationships but can also experience conflict due to differences in expectations.
• Potential of increased stress: Childfree can cause stress and anxiety due to social pressure, loss of role, and loneliness.

c. Psychological Theories

• Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development: The "Generativity vs. Stagnation" stage (ages 40-65) emphasises the importance of contributing to society. Childfree can influence this stage by shifting focus to other activities.
• Maslow's Theory of Needs: Childfree is related to the need for self-actualisation, which is achieving maximum potential and finding meaning in life.
• Humanistic Psychology Theory: Childfree as the primary choice, allows individuals to develop themselves and find happiness according to personal values.

d. Effects on Mental Health

• Depression: Childfree can increase the risk of depression due to loneliness, social pressure, and role loss.
• Anxiety: Stress and anxiety about the future, social pressure, and role loss can cause anxiety.
• Sleep Disturbances: Stress, anxiety, and depression can cause sleep disturbances.
• Decreased Self-Esteem: Role loss, social pressure, and loneliness can worsen self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Quality of Life: Childfree can affect overall quality of life, positively or negatively, depending on the individual and the environment.

3. Religion Perspective

Being child-free, "choosing not to have children", is viewed differently across various religions and traditions. Below is a general perspective from several significant religions regarding this topic:

a. Islam

• In Islam, having children is considered a blessing and one of the primary purposes of marriage. The Qur'an mentions that children are a form of sustenance from Allah, as stated in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46): "Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life..." 
• However, Islam also teaches that decisions regarding family, including having children, depend on a person's capability and readiness---physically, mentally, and financially. Suppose there are valid reasons, such as health issues or other factors. In that case, a couple may decide not to have children as long as the intention does not contradict Islamic values, such as rejecting Allah's decree or purely out of selfishness. Scholars recommend discussing the matter with one's spouse and consulting religious advisors.

b. Christianity

• In Christian tradition, having children is often viewed as part of the calling of marriage and a way to pass on faith. In Genesis (1:28), it is stated: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it..."
• However, modern churches increasingly recognise that couples have the freedom to decide how to live out their marital life, including the choice not to have children, especially if there are medical or specific personal considerations.

c. Hinduism

• In Hinduism, having children is considered part of one's dharma (duty) in the grihastha (householder) stage of life. Children are seen as a way to continue the family lineage and fulfil spiritual obligations to ancestors (pitru runa).
• That said, Hinduism also acknowledges individual choice, especially in the context of the family's overall well-being. Some Hindu traditions may take a more flexible approach to this decision.

d. Buddhism

Buddhism does not mandate having children and focuses more on inner development and wisdom. Since there is no specific obligation related to having children, Buddhism generally leaves this decision to individuals or couples as long as harmful intentions, such as greed or aversion, do not drive the choice.

So, many religions emphasise the value of family and the importance of having children. However, in the modern context, many also allow space for individuals or couples to make decisions based on their abilities and circumstances. In any religion, consulting with religious leaders or advisors can provide clearer guidance in alignment with one's beliefs.

Based on the explanation above, it can be concluded that the majority of Indonesians still oppose the childfree lifestyle due to deeply rooted cultural and traditional values that view children as an essential part of marriage and family life. This reflects a strong emphasis on the importance of lineage and continuity. Beside that there's perspective from psychology and it says that childfree could bring both positive and negative impacts to someone who wants to applied childfree as their choice and lifestyle. And the last one is a perspective from the biggest four religion in Indonesia and their perspective about childfree. We can assume that all the religion emphasise the value of family and the importance of having children.