Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother

The article explores the complex relationship between womanhood and motherhood, highlighting that history is full of women without children and that modern women are not alone in their choices. It suggests that understanding this history is key to rebuilding kinship between mothers and non-mothers and creating a better world for all.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Basic Books

In a world where birth rates are declining, it is often claimed that millennials are the ones who pioneered the concept of childlessness. However, history is replete with women who have chosen not to have children, as well as those who desired to have them but were unable to do so. The majority of women, both in the past and present, fall somewhere in between these two extremes.

Modern women who are contemplating the role of children in their lives are influenced by a multitude of factors, including political, ecological, and cultural contexts. However, history serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their choices.

Historian Peggy O'Donnell, through extensive research and personal reflection as a woman without children, reveals that many of the reasons women are choosing not to have children today are similar to those faced by women in the past. These reasons include a lack of support, job or financial constraints, environmental concerns, infertility, and the desire for different kinds of lives.

Understanding this historical context is crucial in rebuilding kinship between mothers and non-mothers and creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. O'Donnell argues that it is important to recognize that not having children has always been a normal occurrence and that society has worked hard to make it seem abnormal. By acknowledging this truth, we can work towards creating a society that values and supports all individuals, regardless of their reproductive choices.

In conclusion, the relationship between womanhood and motherhood is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been shaped by a wide range of historical, social, and cultural factors. While the idea of childlessness may be associated with millennials, history demonstrates that women have always had the agency to make choices about their reproductive lives. By understanding this history and working towards a more inclusive and supportive society, we can create a better world for all individuals, regardless of their reproductive choices.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 159 x 244 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781541675575