It can be noted from the literature, as well as from the results of foreign research and my own research, that in today's society women remain unequal to men in some areas. This is particularly evident in the area of caring for children, which is still primarily seen as a basic (and obligatory) role of women (Oakley, 2000). Even though motherhood in contemporary society is seen as a choice, women often decide to have children because of social pressure, for security in old age, for self fulfilment, to avoid loneliness, to continue on their own genes or to fix/ improve their relationship.
In my thesis I find that childless women possess some common features that are contrary to (or less compatible with) children. It is evident that they are highly focused on themselves and their own needs, which society often regards as selfish. Some women are childless due to circumstances, while others decided not to have children for various reasons. Often quoted are satisfaction with life as it is, highly prized values of freedom and independence, resistance to life with child raising responsibilities, lack of desire for a child and a desire for life experience which would be difficult to achieve with children (Scott, 2006). The lives of women without children differ from the lives of women with children, particularly in having more time and freedom as well as less worry and responsibility. Although the number of childless women is rising, childlessness remains a taboo. Attitudes towards women without children continue to be negative - they are often stigmatised, subjected to negative responses from their community and are victims of prejudice.
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