Women who choose childlessness fail to match the stereotypes, says study

Women who choose to be childless are far from the stereotypes of work-driven careerists, self-centred individualists or 'ultra feminists' who scorn family life, according to research supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The new study suggests - on the contrary - that they and their partners hold conventional views about relationships and parenting and that their careers are rarely central to their sense of personal fulfilment.

However, a series of in-depth interviews with voluntarily childless women and with some of their partners reveal a high degree of caution about assuming the responsibilities of being a parent. Parenthood is clearly identified with unwanted disruption and change in their lives as well as a heightened risk of financial insecurity.

Population projections suggest that one in five women who are now of childbearing age may never have children. While this level of childlessness partly reflects infertility problems, it is also clear that there are women and men who give childbearing a low priority or view life without children as a positive choice.

"I just thought, 'Well, I expect one gets broody...and then you know it's time and that time's never happened..." Frances King, married, mid-30s.

The study, by Fiona McAllister and Lynda Clarke of the Family Policy Studies Centre, combines an analysis of demographic trends with results from a qualitative survey of 45 individuals identified as having chosen not to have children. It finds that relatively few interviewees of either sex had made an early, irrevocable decision not to have children. Their choice of childlessness had come about slowly in the context of their work, personal health, relationships and other life events. While some were certain they had made the right decision, others were more ambivalent.

"That's the way I am. It's my metabolism, my make up. I don't have a maternal bone in my body," Flora Westbury, married, mid-40s.

The researchers placed the way that women and men explained their childless status in five broad categories:

• People who were certain that they did not want children: approaching a third of those interviewed said they had made a firm decision and had never wavered in their resolve.
• People who were certain now that they did not want children: 4 women and one man had experienced some wavering, but felt they had 'come out on the other side' with a clear decision not to start a family.
• People who accepted childlessness: six women in their 40s, some of whom were single, described how they had once thought they would have children, but since changed their view.
• People who were ambivalent: eight women and three men voiced mixed feelings about being childless and were still not clear that a firm decision had been taken against having children.
• People who felt the decision had been taken for them: this small group included women who had encountered fertility problems, but not sought treatment and others who maintained that their childlessness was determined by factors outside their control.

The study found little evidence to suggest that a child-free lifestyle resulted from 'alternative' values or self-centredness. Those interviewed took a thoughtful and responsible view of family responsibilities. Many played an important part in extended family networks -supporting brothers and sisters who did have children, or caring for older parents. Yet the respondents had, variously, concluded that it would be undesirable, difficult or impossible to make parenthood part of their own lives.

"I've... always felt very strongly that unless you're willing to give time to a child you shouldn't have a child." Faith Mann, married, late-30s.

Although highly-qualified women are more likely to remain childless, the study also found that careers were not a particular priority. Indeed, early retirement emerged as a popular goal among many of those interviewed.

Examining the implications for future policy, the report calls for better monitoring of trends in official statistics. It also suggests that information should be made more widely available about the way that fertility changes with age.

Fiona McAllister said: "A continuing trend towards delaying parenthood means that women and men need to be well-informed about the declining chances of conception in their thirties, just as they are regularly reminded of the costs and implications of unplanned childbearing."

Ceridwen Roberts, Director of the Family Policy Studies Centre, said: "Many of the respondents in this study stressed the responsibilities of parenthood, which they clearly felt were not for them. Yet if people take time to acquire the stable and independent circumstances that they feel children need, it becomes more difficult to have children early. Adults who value equality in relationships, a stable domestic environment and economic security may find it increasingly hard to become parents."