Factors Affecting Early and Late Deciders of Voluntary Childlessness

Summary Few comparisons have been made between adults who make early, explicit decisions not to have children, and others who reach voluntary childlessness through a series of postponements. The present Australian study using questionnaire responses examined possible background, sex role, and other differences between 55 early deciders and 23 childless respondents labelled as postponers. Early deciders were more likely to have been raised in smaller families and to believe that their childlessness was influenced by concerns with overpopulation. While there were fewer differences in sex role beliefs, early deciders reported more negative reactions to their childlessness than postponers. They highlighted being labelled as selfish and as child-haters, and avoided places with parents and children.