Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) challenge the notion that a childless-by-choice lifestyle is reserved for younger generations strapped by student loans and credit card debt. By using data from a representative sample in the United States (US), experts cited "that childfree adults are quite common, comprising over one-fifth (21.64%) of the population."
MSU psychology professors Jennifer Watling Neal and Zach Neal define childfree adults as "distinct from childless adults who wanted children but were unable to have them, and from not-yet-parents who are planning to have children in the future." The results of their population study were recently published in the Public Library of Science journal, or PLOS ONE. Personal factors like climate change, environmental concerns, or simply electing not to reproduce have caused a rise in US citizens who are voluntarily childless. At the time of printing, 14% of the MSM community reported that a childfree lifestyle is "Ideal for my family."
Michigan is demographically similar to the US in education, race, income, political affiliation, and child and senior population. Investigators studied 1,500 adult residents from the Great Lakes region. Their analysis revealed that childfree individuals were "the single largest group of adults without children, exceeding not-yet-parents as well as childless, undecided, and ambivalent adults." The findings indicate that a burgeoning subpopulation may need to be noticed and addressed within demographic and political assessments.
"Although US politicians often develop policies designed to support parents and children, they rarely focus on the needs of the large and potentially growing population of childfree adults." - Jennifer Neal, M.S.U. Psychology
Adding insult to injury, data showed that interpersonal warmth between parents and voluntary childless adults is asymmetrical, at best. Strong inter-group relationships are formed among parents as a feature of their social identity. Unfortunately, the shade against childfree people continues in the corporate world with unfair work-life balance expectations, "health insurance challenges, and negative stereotypes."
During the holidays, vacation scheduling priority should be given to employees with families.
0%A. I agree, Sis.
0%B. Naw, that's unfair.
0%C. Hmm, I'm unsure.
Scholars believe that the global fertility rate decline "suggests[s] that the number of childfree adults may be growing." The dramatic shift in childbearing statistics necessitates a greater understanding (and representation) of the voluntary childless within socioeconomic and healthcare studies. Eliminating public controversy surrounding the choice not to procreate is also pivotal to a culturally responsive community where members thrive.
Are military Veterans "Heroes?"
0%A. You better believe it, Boo!
0%B. I wouldn't say "Heroes" exactly.
0%C. Hmm, good question.
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