Childfree - what is it. Childfri in Russian

The public phenomenon that has become the topic of this article has been developing in Russia and other CIS countries since the late 90s - early 2000s. It has an ambiguous assessment among people who are little familiar with this philosophy. In many ways, a contradictory and sometimes sharply negative perception is connected, as is often the case with a lack of information. This is the concept of "childfree". What is it, when and how did it come about, what are the goals pursued by this social movement? And, most importantly, how does it affect the rest of society? In the article, we will answer all these questions and debunk myths.

History of the phenomenon

Childfree ("childfree") in Russian means "free from children". This current originated in the 1970s in the United States in the process of mass demonstrations for rights, freedoms and equality. Thus, the National Organization of Non-Parents (NON) was established, the origins of which were two participants of the feminist movement, Ellen Peck and Shirley Radl. The meaning of the organization's activity was to convey to the conservatively minded society the idea that a woman has the right not to bear children, if she does not want to.

This statement made a significant change in the public consciousness, because before that it was believed that the conscious refusal to procreation means the presence of ailments of physical or psychological properties. The bold statement of the two activists gave confidence to other women who felt the same, but did not dare say aloud. Organization of NON quickly became popular, and in the 1980s it transformed into the movement of Childfree. But if in the United States, adherents of childless lifestyles are often engaged in active social activities and participate in political actions, then in the post-Soviet space this social movement has the character of a club of interests.

FAQ

Among people who do not identify themselves with this phenomenon and do not have such acquaintances, there is a lot of misunderstanding and even myths about chayldfri.

"What's wrong with them?" How can you not want to have at least one child? "

It should be recalled here that the continuation of the clan is not a duty, and the reluctance to do so does not characterize the person from the negative side. On the contrary, it speaks about honesty to oneself and responsibility for the future. Having children is worth it when there really is a desire and an opportunity to educate a little person.

"This is a deliberate abandonment of motherhood or paternity, which means that childfree hate children?"

Not at all. In general, the attitude toward the younger generation in such adults extends from good-natured to neutral to indifferent. Many willingly childless people are happy to spend time with their nephews and nieces, children of friends, etc. A lot of convinced childrenfrey successfully realize themselves in the pedagogical sphere. It is only worth noting that "children free" are very intolerant of active attempts to impose a different lifestyle on them.

"Childhood and childfree - what is it? One and the same or different? "

Confusing these completely different phenomena, people come to the erroneous opinion that voluntary childlessness is a consequence of burning dislike for the younger generation. While "childfree" means "free from children", "childhead" is translated as "detonenavistniki." It is not necessary to know and use the terms-Anglicisms, to understand how far these two phenomena are far apart. The first group of people calmly treats other people's children, but prefers not to have their own. The second group has a strong negative feeling towards small people, which can manifest itself even in aggression. It is noteworthy and at the same time sad that haters of children are far from always childless. Cases of psychological or physical violence in the family are often associated with the fact that the parent, for various reasons, manifests itself as a child's head.

Opinions of psychologists

Among specialists in the inner life of man there is no unequivocal opinion about voluntary childlessness. Trying to understand what means chayldfri as a socio-psychological phenomenon, practicing psychologists distinguish the following possible reasons for this choice:

1. Negative experiences in own childhood.

According to this logic, the reason for entering the ranks of childfree is the fear (conscious or latent) of repeating the model of parental education that the person suffered from being a child.

2. Selfishness and infantilism.

In this case, the voluntary childlessness is chosen by the person about whom the "eternal child" is said to be spoken. Thus, orientation is primarily focused on one's own interests, as well as hedonism - the desire to get the maximum pleasure from life. It follows that these people do not feel the strength to show the tremendous responsibility, care, tolerance and dedication that future mothers and fathers need.

3. Aspiration to reach professional heights.

This group is formed by chayldfri, whose activities are related to business, art, sports, science and other areas that require great devotion. In such conditions, a person has neither the time, nor the opportunity, nor even simply the need to engage in the birth and education of offspring. After all, combining your favorite work and a full-fledged education of children is almost impossible task, especially in the Russian realities.

4. Pressure of conservative forces in society.

Another point of view on the phenomenon of childfree is its consideration as a response to public policy, calling for birth as much as possible and improving the demographic situation. Of course, in this case the choice of childlessness is subconscious - a peculiar reaction of the psyche to excessive psychological pressure.

And now we will consider the reasons for entering into the ranks of the childless, based on gender differences.

Childfree women and men

What is there in this social movement that attracts representatives of both sexes?

As studies show, women are usually motivated by the desire to realize themselves professionally and devote more time to self-development. Indeed, having a small child in his arms, it is difficult to build a career, and during the time of even a short maternity leave you can lose the job of your dream. In addition, the upbringing of a child, especially in the first years of life, leaves little time and possibilities for traveling, studying and just reading books.

As for men, they choose the lifestyle of childfree, often guided by opposite reasons, rather than women. The main argument for the male is the reluctance to take on the financial burden, which inevitably arises at the birth and further education of the child. Men-Childfree want to have more independence and fewer obligations, as well as opportunities sometimes to be too lazy or travel, without being bound by the need to feed the family.

Other arguments voluntary childless people of both sexes name: danger of sorts for health, deterioration of attitudes in marriage and infringement of an intimate life of parents after a birth of the child.

In general, the ideal pair for any childfree is a partner with the same exact beliefs. In this case, it will be possible to build a more harmonious relationship, lacking doubt or mistrust in such an important issue as procreation.

Free and famous

Voluntary renunciation of the upbringing of children is a rather widespread phenomenon, but on the whole such people make up only 1-2 percent in the society. This number includes the celebrity's chosen lifestyle. Among them: one of the first communists and fighters for women's rights Clara Zetkin, film and serial actresses Renee Zellweger, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, Kim Cattrall and Eva Mendes, TV presenter Oprah Winfrey and Ksenia Sobchak, singer Kylie Minogue.

Of the most childless men, George Clooney and Christopher Walken are most famous .

Communication for chillfree

Dating people who chose voluntary childlessness, in our advanced time, take place on various Internet sites. There are relevant forums, diary communities, groups, public relations, etc. On such web resources you can communicate with like-minded people, ask a question, pour out your soul, and find yourself a couple with a close worldview.

Forums

A very popular forum is Planet Childfree. Here, users share their sore, discuss life stories, joke on various topics (not only related to the philosophy of childfree), receive and disseminate useful information - in general, they feel comfortable. The forum "Planet Childfree" is in a sense an outlet for those people who are surrounded in everyday life by people who are not like-minded in matters of procreation, but, on the contrary, "ideological opponents" who show incomprehension or tactlessness in communication.

Social networks

A very developed and informative community of the childfree is located in the "Live Journal". At one time it was the first platform in RuNet for communication of people who choose voluntary childlessness.

In the most popular Russian social network there are also public pages and groups of the childfree orientation. One of the most popular is called "Childfree in Russian". "VKontakte" unites users from many cities and countries, giving the opportunity to communicate on current topics in real time. In addition to groups, there are public anonymous opinions, for example, "Overheard Childfree." Another noteworthy phenomenon can be called communities in social networks, focused on married / married or long-term people. Here you can discuss the characteristics of family life without children, as well as ask for advice in cases of misunderstanding with a partner on this issue. In general, a diverse social interaction is what the members of the Childfree group in Russian and other similar communities on the Internet are doing.

Instead of concluding

"Free from children" means those who do not feel the need to have offspring and who consciously chose childlessness. It is impossible to name a community of childfree subculture, because the group has no special rules or distinctive external features. Yes, and the social movement (at least in the CIS countries) they can be considered with great reserve, because they do not put forward slogans and do not try to change the world. In general, it can be said that childfree is a way of life that can be understood or not, but it is definitely worth respecting, if only because these people are honest in their choice and do not impose it on others.