Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: The population of adults who neither have nor want children is large and growing. However, it remains poorly understood because its members can be difficult to identify in traditional demographic surveys, and existing research on the population uses a range of methods and terms. In this paper, we review current practices, then to bring a level of consistency and comparability to this literature, we propose a common framework for studying this population. First, we recommend that researchers use the term `childfree' to describe adults who neither have nor want children, because the term is short, widely-used, and preferred by members of this population. Second, we recommend that researchers define childfree adults by neither having nor wanting biological or non-biological children, recognizing that one's childfree status may change over time. Third, we recommend that researchers identify childfree adults in surveys using `want' questions (e.g., do you want children?), in combination with other questions.
Source: The Family Journal
Authors: Zachary P. Neal, Jennifer Watling Neal
Institution: Michigan State University
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4386409876