Is Choosing to Be Childfree A Selfish Decision?

Opting for a childfree lifestyle can significantly minimize the burdens often placed on children, such as financial support and the responsibility of caring for aging parents. The underlying belief is that children should not have to bear heavy responsibilities simply because they did not choose to be born. By choosing not to have children, individuals can break the cycle of expectation that often leads to children feeling obligated to support their parents or manage family affairs. This choice promotes a healthier dynamic, allowing future generations to pursue their own paths without the weight of undue responsibility. 

• Economic Stability

Choosing a childfree lifestyle can alleviate financial burdens and reduce the risk of poverty associated with raising children. Without the costs of child-rearing, individuals can allocate resources more effectively, leading to greater savings and opportunities for personal growth. This financial freedom allows for a more comfortable lifestyle filled with enriching experiences.

Although it has positive impacts, people also view being childfree as something negative, including: Cultural and Religious Norms Rejection From a female perspective, the decision to remain childfree can carry significant negative implications, particularly in relation to cultural and religious norms. In many societies, having children is viewed as a blessing and a fundamental aspect of life. Women who choose to be childfree may face societal backlash, as their choice is often interpreted as a rejection of these deeply held beliefs. 

• Diminishing Opportunities for Others

The choice to remain childfree is viewed by some as an act that disregards the struggles of families who desperately wish to have children but are unable to do so. This perception can create social tension and evoke feelings of injustice among certain groups (Ramadhani & Tsabitah, 2022).  

• Disconnection with Culture

According to Karana (2023), women who choose to be childfree are more likely to develop negative attitudes toward cultural norms. They may feel disconnected from cultural values, particularly those that emphasize pronatalist ideology, which promotes procreation as a social norm.

• Becoming a Shortage in Certain Countries 

The childfree trend is lowering birth rates globally, leading to population shortages. For instance, Japan's births dropped nearly 6% in early 2024 compared to 2023, with only 350,074 births. This decline reduces young workers, strains healthcare and pensions, and hampers economic growth and elderly care.  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the decision to be childfree is a complex and deeply personal choice. Choosing to be childfree does not inherently reflect selfishness but rather an awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of parenting. The increasing prevalence of this lifestyle in Indonesia, as reflected by public figures and data trends, calls for a more nuanced understanding and acceptance of diverse life choices. With this, we hope that there will be more discussions and research in the future regarding parenting, particularly about mental, physical, and financial readiness before having children. We also hope that in the future, there will be policies that support families with children, so that people will feel less apprehensive about having children.

References 

Audinovic, V., & Nugroho, R. S. (2023). Persepsi childfree di kalangan generasi Zilenial Jawa Timur. Jurnal Keluarga Berencana, 8(1), 1-11. 

Dita, D., Takdir, T., & Rahmawati, R. (2024). CHILDFREE IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF ISLAMIC LAW (CHILDFREE DALAM PERSPEKTIF HUKUM ISLAM). JURNAL ILMIAH ADVOKASI, 12(3), 367-381.