Speaking of Psychology
Choosing to be child free, with Jennifer Watling Neal, PhD
May 22, 2024
Jennifer Watling Neal, a researcher at Michigan State University, discusses why 1 in 5 adults are choosing to be child-free in the U.S., the stigma they face, the impact of legal rulings on their identification, and the satisfaction levels of child-free adults compared to parents in neighborhoods. The podcast also explores the need for inclusive policies for both parents and child-free individuals worldwide.
32:52
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Quick takeaways
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are child-free, citing reasons like cost, freedom, and climate change.
- Child-free individuals often decide early in life and stick with their choice despite societal stigma.
Deep dives
Prevalence of Child-Free Adults
A Pew Research Center poll in 2021 revealed that 44% of non-parents ages 18 to 49 in the US said it was unlikely they would have children in the future, citing not wanting kids as a common reason. Recent studies have focused on child-free adults separately from other non-parent groups to understand their characteristics and the challenges they face. Research conducted in Michigan showed that between 20 to 25% of adults were child-free, indicating a sizable portion of the population choosing not to have children.
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