The Childfree Life

[Ice_nine]

Who are "these" people. I think its an incredibly interesting topic. I especially like the input Basilisa had. 

 

These childfree people. Those who are pretty radically into the childfree movement are scary (I stumbled onto a childfree forum years ago. Pretty much misopedists). For those who aren't mean bastards, they're just boring. They're like the yuppies of the current generation. They might be interesting for a hot minute while they talk about traveling to zanzibar and how hard it is these days to find a good country club but it's just a snoozefest to me. They will live a comfortable life, and die a comfortable death and have lots and lots of fun. Using broad generalizations they're probably the people who see life as a series of investments and returns, and that just puts me to sleep.

[CrossCuT]

The topic as a whole. I'm not sure there ever needed to be an article pointing out that life involves trade offs and that this is particularly true in the arena of the family. But if it ever needed to be pointed out surely the first few front page articles that were featured by major national brands sufficed.

 

I think it depends on your perspective. I agree that life trade offs are a given, but in the context of the role of a female in society I feel like this subject is worth talking about. Men have never really had to choose between careers and raising children; it has never historically been their "duty" in society. This choice comes with stigmas for women whether you want to admit to it or not and I dont think people have really figured out who to deal with that stigma appropriately.  :unsure:

 

I also understand peoples frustration with the topic because there are those over-the-top scary feminist activists that are in your face about every tiny detail. I dont like how that sour mentality leaks over into all discussions relating to legit feminine concerns. 

 

As a female, I didnt really subscribe to the feminism that surrounded the work place (for example) to a degree that it became obnoxious and/or scary, however my experience at my first full time job has changed my perspective on it. I was reluctant to allow myself to feel this way, but there really are still remnants of the boys club. Granted it still exists only in a small age group of men, but none the less I have been subject to inappropriate comments at work simply due to the fact that I am a woman. (Id also like to add that this is not played up. I do not get upset and scream sexism if someone compliments me on clothes etc or whatever.)

 

Long story short, even while these topics may seem redundant, irritating, or carry cliche negative attitudes, I think its worth while to discuss them because sexism and gender norms still exist. Obviously not in the extreme sense as they once were a while ago, but enough to the point where women still feel pressure in making certain decisions that are easier for men. 

 

Where is the balance? I cant answer that, but openness to talk about it is always a good place to start. :)

[blazeingstar]

Planning kills culture. Nobody in their right mind would want kids. But that's the great thing about being young, you're too stupid to know it yet. And once you know it, you learn to love it anyway. But in a culture where everything is planned from womb to tomb, the ability to be surprised disappears.

 

I dunno, I've worked with kids, seen families with kids and my fiancee and I are planning on 3-4 maybe even more if the first few are cute.

[Era Might]

I dunno, I've worked with kids, seen families with kids and my fiancee and I are planning on 3-4 maybe even more if the first few are cute.

 

What don't you know (i.e., not sure what you mean by "i dunno").

Edited September 6, 2013 by Era Might

[Gabriela]

I didn't read the article, but did the poll account for all the women who are childless because they can't get a man to commit to raising a family? A lot of women who don't have kids aren't childless by choice. They're childless as a result of the pervasive Peter Pan Syndrome in our society.

[Basilisa Marie]

I didn't read the article, but did the poll account for all the women who are childless because they can't get a man to commit to raising a family? A lot of women who don't have kids aren't childless by choice. They're childless as a result of the pervasive Peter Pan Syndrome in our society.

 

I don't think that's as widespread as women having kids despite men having Peter Pan Syndrome. Plenty of women, low-income especially, end up having kids out of wedlock, and the man involved ditches her after she's pregnant.