Infertility Series: Perception of Childless Couples

This week I (Austin) am sharing a few insights into the perceptions individuals may share of childless couples within the U.S. and outside the U.S. In this post, I will broadly share some study findings, without too many details, to allow a quick overview and avoid a lengthy post. Nevertheless, if reader's have further interest, please post a comment and I will try to respond accordingly. Before beginning, it is important to note these study findings do not necessarily differentiate the differences between opinions toward voluntarily or involuntarily childless individuals.

The body of research seems to suggest the line between positive, neutral, or negative perceptions of childless couples is divided across gender, social, and economic lines both in the U.S. and outside the U.S. (Copur & Koropeckyj-Cox, 2010; Gubernskaya, 2010; Koropecky & Pendell, 2007; Rowland, 2007). Women, in contrast to men, generally hold a more favorable opinion of childless individuals. In addition, individuals of lower incomes tend to look more negatively upon childless individuals, but interestingly have higher fertility rates than higher income individuals.

In the U.S., Koropecky-Cox (2007) analyzed a sample size of 10,644 individuals in the late 1980's and conducted a follow-up interview with the same respondents in the early 1990's. A few interesting findings from this study relate: younger individuals, women, and childless individuals have more positive opinions of individuals who are childless. Negative attitudes of childless individuals, on the other hand, were found to be more prevalent in older individuals, men, less than full-time workers, and individuals with less formal education.

Outside the U.S., it is harder to share in specific terms the opinions individuals tend to have on childless couples without looking at each country individually. It must be generally acknowledged that social, cultural, and political structures differ in comparison to the U.S. and must be analyzed individually. However, it can be broadly assumed that individuals from more developed countries hold a more favorable opinion of childless couples, than individuals from less developed countries (Copur & Koropeckyj-Cox, 2010; Gubernskaya, 2010).

References: I have included the DOI number for the articles referenced within this post. If you desire the full reference please email me at twoinfertileturtles@gmail.com and I can email the references desired.

Copur & Koropeckyj-Cox (2010) DOI: 10.1177/0192513X10361577

Gubernskaya (2010) DOI: 10.1525/sop.2010.53.2.179

Koropecky & Pendell (2007) DOI: 10.1177/0192513X07301940

Rowland (2007) DOI: 10.1177/0192513X07303823

Thanks for visiting this post. Feel free to post your opinions, reactions, and any recommendations for future posts to this blog. If desired, you may also email me at twoinfertileturtles@gmail.com