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The childfree movement is a diverse community of people who choose not to have children for various reasons. The term “childfree” distinguishes those who do not want children from those who want them but do not have them yet. The movement has grown since the 1970s, but there is tension and controversy among members. Childless people may feel marginalized by society, leading to the formation of childfree communities and associations.
Some people who choose not to have children use the term “childless” to describe themselves. There are a wide variety of reasons for choosing not to have children, ranging from a desire to avoid passing on negative genetic traits to a dislike of children. The movement is quite diverse, ranging from higher education professionals to poor people struggling to make a living.
The term childfree is meant to distinguish between being child-free and being childless. In the childless movement, those who have no children are happy with this state of affairs, seeing childlessness as a good thing. Conversely, someone who doesn’t have children is someone who sincerely wants to have children who don’t have them yet or can’t have them. Some people also prefer this distinction as a sign of mutual respect, indicating that both parties acknowledge that the other has valid reasons for feeling the way they do.
While people have been choosing not to have children for centuries, the movement really exploded in the 1970s, with the birth of numerous “childfree by choice” organizations and the creation of various publications discussing the childfree lifestyle. No kidding! is probably one of the best-known childfree organizations, but numerous other groups supporting this kind of lifestyle can be found around the world.
Because the community is so large and diverse, there is some tension and controversy among the members. For example, some people who choose not to have children may appreciate children or have respect for their parents, simply by giving up children for themselves, while other childless people criticize people who choose to have children. Slang terms like “farmer,” “childhood rage,” and so on are used by some members of the movement as pejoratives that other members consider counterproductive and offensive.
Members of the children’s freedom movement can also struggle socially. In many communities, the choice not to have children is viewed as odd, and people, especially women, may be pressured into having children, or may be told they are not contributing significantly to society until they procreate. This can be frustrating for those who choose not to have children, as well as the perceived child-oriented attention of their societies. Of course, for people without children due to fertility issues or other issues, the constant questions about when babies will arrive can also be heartbreaking.
As childless people often feel marginalized by their own societies, some form into distinct communities, creating spaces where children are not welcome. Childfree groups organize cruises, tours and so on, and some have even created neighborhood associations and planned communities.
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