Child-Free

Two Michigan State U. psychology profs did a survey to determine just how prevalent not wanting children might be. Their findings appear at The Conversation, an MSU publication. Hat tip to RealClearPolicy for the link.

The researchers intentionally separated those who do not want children - the child-free - from those who can't have children - the childless - and those who want children in the future, but haven't had them yet. To qualify as child-free, respondents had to answer "no" to all three of these questions.

Do you have, or have you ever had, any biological or adopted children? 

Do you plan to have any biological or adopted children in the future? 

Do you wish you had or could have biological or adopted children?

In a sample of 1000 Michigan adults, 27% answered "no" to all three questions. The researchers believe this is a larger cohort than was previously thought to exist. It could help explain why birth rates are declining throughout the developed world and beyond.