Undergraduation? Check.
Postgraduation? Check.
Marriage? Check.
Great! Now it’s time to have kids!
Sounds familiar? Millions of Indians live by this tried and tested rule of “Shaadi, phir bacche”. However, a shift in perspective seems to be coming around.
Today’s couples are getting more and more comfortable with the concept of “DINKs” or the Double Income No Kids lifestyle. This refers to a lifestyle where couples focus on their careers, individual goals, and each other rather than the role of parenthood. This phenomenon shows a paradigm shift in societal conditions, where couples embrace financial and emotional freedom rather than catering to traditional family cultures.
There are several reasons why couples of newer generations are choosing a “no child” lifestyle, so let’s delve into some of them:
Financial Considerations
Modern couples are much more likely to be mindful of their finances and strive to be financially independent early on. According to research, housing, child-care, and student loan debts largely impact the decision of young adults, especially women, to have children. The daunting expenses that come with raising a child are a significant barrier to financial independence. Job insecurity and economic stability also contribute largely towards delayed parenthood aspirations. As the cost of living goes up day by day, and financial needs increase steadily, couples opt out of parenthood to attain financial independence.
Career Pursuits and Ambitions
Most of the youngsters today, especially women, are ambitious and have clear goals in their lives. When they find a partner who is equally invested in their dreams, they begin the journey toward fulfilling their ambitions together. Therefore, the traditional concept of having a child right after getting married is slowly translating into a delay in having kids or making a choice to not have kids at all. The career aspirations and ambitions of the newer generations have been molded through years of hard work and therefore, societal norms of creating a family are taking a backseat nowadays. Balancing the demands of their careers or goals with the huge responsibility of taking care of a child proves to be challenging, prompting younger couples to choose between the two very carefully.
Environmental Concerns
With increased awareness about environmental conditions and climate change among the modern generations, new couples are hesitant to bring life into this world. A survey conducted by Pew Research Centre (2021) showed that 44% of adults in the age group of 18-49 stated reasons for being childfree as financial conditions and changing climatic concerns. Concerns about the future of the planet including climate change and environmental stability have contributed significantly to the consideration of contributing to the global population. Some modern families also consider their decision as a conscious effort to reduce their ecological footprint.
Relationship Dynamics
Many couples today give importance to keeping intimacy and friendship alive. This, in turn, has paved the way to remain child-free. These couples often choose to strengthen their bonds without the added responsibility of parenthood. The gradual change in the concept of fulfilling marital partnerships is independent of traditional family structures. This often challenges the societal concept that parenthood is a necessary component for a successful bond. This change in thinking highlights the various ways of finding happiness and a sense of fulfillment in a marital union.
Freedom and Lifestyle Choices
Freedom and lifestyle choices are significant reasons that influence the decision to remain child-free. Modern couples have started prioritising travel, pursuing passions, and enjoying their leisure time without being under the constraints of parenthood. According to Harris Interactive and the Archbridge Institute, around 18% of young adults cite personal freedom as a factor in not having children. This desire to have a flexible lifestyle leads many to question if their aspirations and freedom align with the concept of parenthood.
The decision of modern couples to opt out of the pursuit of parenthood is a complex interplay of financial, environmental, and personal factors. From ambitious career choices to focusing on only relationships and love between partners, the shift in societal norms regarding parenthood is visible in today’s era. This change points towards a significant departure from the traditional notions of celebrating parenthood. Couples in India are now prioritising personal fulfillment, financial independence, and relationship dynamics today over the societal pressure of having kids. This highlights the importance of respecting the personal choice of individuals and the evolving concept of family planning in the contemporary world.
