Voluntary and Involuntary Childlessness: The Joys of Otherhood?

Childlessness is increasing, with consequences for women, men, communities, psychic states, social networks, and organizations. This edited collection provides an insight into the research on the drivers, determinants, manifestations, and outcomes of childlessness, intended for scholars, students, and policymakers.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 424 pages
\n Publication date: 23 August 2018
\n Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
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Childlessness is not a recent phenomenon, but empirical evidence from the demographic field has shown that it is on the rise. Furthermore, childlessness has a number of consequences for both women and men, the communities in which they live, their psychic states, their social networks, and the organizations in which they work. Bringing together research from a wide range of scholarly disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, sociology, gender studies, social work, and social policy, and underpinned by a feminist ontology, this edited collection of original chapters provides an insight into the current state-of-the-art research on the drivers, determinants, manifestations, and outcomes of childlessness. The collection is intended to be a key resource for scholars, students, and policymakers addressing this issue in a wide range of disciplinary contexts.

Childlessness is a complex issue that has been the subject of much debate and research in recent years. While it has always been a relatively uncommon phenomenon, there has been a notable increase in the number of people choosing to remain childless in many parts of the world. This trend has significant implications for individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.

One of the primary consequences of childlessness is that it affects the demographic makeup of society. As more and more people choose not to have children, the population is aging, which can have a range of economic, social, and political implications. For example, an aging population may put pressure on healthcare systems, social welfare programs, and pension systems, leading to increased costs and reduced benefits for those who are dependent on these services.

Childlessness also has significant implications for women and men. For women, childlessness can be a source of personal fulfillment and empowerment. Women who choose not to have children can focus on their careers, pursue their interests, and achieve their goals without the constraints of parenthood. However, childlessness can also be associated with feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression, particularly for women who may feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations regarding motherhood.

For men, childlessness can also have consequences. Men who choose not to have children may face social stigma and discrimination, particularly in cultures that prioritize male roles and responsibilities. Men who are childless may also be at a disadvantage in terms of career advancement and financial security, as they may be less likely to receive promotions or benefits that are typically associated with parenthood.

Childlessness also has significant implications for communities and society as a whole. For example, an aging population may lead to a decline in economic growth and social activity, as fewer people are available to work and contribute to the economy. Additionally, childlessness can impact the social fabric of communities, as families with children may be more likely to participate in social and recreational activities, and may provide a sense of support and community for those who are childless.

In recent years, there has been a growing body of research on the drivers, determinants, manifestations, and outcomes of childlessness. This research has drawn on a wide range of scholarly disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, sociology, gender studies, social work, and social policy. One of the key findings of this research is that childlessness is influenced by a complex set of factors, including social, cultural, economic, and personal factors.

Social factors, such as changes in family structures, gender roles, and social norms, have played a significant role in the increase in childlessness. For example, the rise. The rise of single-parent families, divorce rates, and the increasing prevalence of non-marital childbearing have all contributed to the decline in the number of people choosing to have children.

Cultural factors, such as the increasing importance of career and personal fulfillment, have also played a role in childlessness. In many cultures, there is a strong emphasis on individualism and self-expression, and people may prioritize their careers and personal goals over the responsibilities of parenthood. Additionally, cultural norms and expectations regarding gender roles and responsibilities may also impact childlessness, as women may feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations regarding motherhood, while men may feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations regarding masculinity and fatherhood.

Economic factors, such as income inequality, education levels, and job security, have also played a role. In many societies. In many cultures, there is a strong emphasis on individualism and self-expression, and people may prioritize their careers and personal goals over the responsibilities of parenthood. Additionally, cultural norms and expectations regarding gender roles and responsibilities may also impact childlessness, as women may feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations regarding motherhood, while men may feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations regarding masculinity and fatherhood.

Finally, personal factors, such as individual preferences, values, and beliefs, have also played a role. Some people may choose to remain childless for personal reasons, such as a lack of interest in parenthood, a desire for personal freedom and independence, or a concern for the environmental impact of overpopulation. Additionally, some people may experience health problems or physical limitations that make it difficult to have children, or may choose to remain childless due to religious or ethical beliefs.

Despite the significant consequences of childlessness, there are also a number of positive outcomes associated with it. For example, childlessness can provide individuals with a sense of personal fulfillment and empowerment, as they are able to focus on their careers, pursue their interests, and achieve their goals without the constraints of parenthood. Additionally, childlessness can lead to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly society, as there are fewer people to consume resources and contribute to pollution and waste.

However, it is important to note that childlessness is not a universal experience, and there are many different perspectives on the issue. Some people may view childlessness as a personal choice that should be respected and valued, while others may view it as a societal problem that requires intervention and support. There is also a growing body of research on the experiences of childless individuals, including their experiences of isolation, loneliness, and discrimination, and their experiences of social support and community.

In conclusion, childlessness is a complex issue that has significant implications for individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. While it has always been a relatively uncommon phenomenon, there has been a notable increase in the number of people choosing to remain childless in many parts of the world. This trend has significant implications for individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. Bringing together research from a wide range of scholarly disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, sociology, gender studies, social work, and social policy, and underpinned by a feminist ontology, this edited collection of original chapters provides an insight into the current state-of-the-art research on the drivers, determinants, manifestations, and outcomes of childlessness. The collection is intended to be a key resource for scholars, students, and policymakers addressing this issue in a wide range of disciplinary contexts.

\n Weight: 728g\n
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781787543621\n \n