A Public Perceptions of Childfree in Modern Marriage Institutions

Abstract

The childfree phenomenon has become a growing social issue in modern society, including in Indonesia. The decision of married couples not to have children has generated various public responses because it is often considered contrary to cultural values, religious teachings, and the traditional purpose of marriage. On the other hand, modernization and changing social perspectives have led some groups to view childfree as an individual right in determining family life. This study aims to analyze public perceptions of the childfree phenomenon within modern marriage institutions, identify the factors influencing societal acceptance and rejection, and examine the shifts in social values related to family institutions. This research employed a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach. The study was conducted as field research using interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. The informants consisted of community members, married couples, religious leaders, and community leaders. The data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that public perceptions of childfree are divided into two groups: those who accept and those who reject the phenomenon. The accepting group views childfree as a personal right of couples in determining their household life, while the rejecting group considers it inconsistent with cultural and religious norms. Furthermore, cultural, religious, economic, educational, and social media factors significantly influence public perceptions of childfree. This study contributes to understanding the transformation of marriage values in modern society, where marriage is increasingly oriented toward emotional fulfillment and quality of life rather than solely reproduction.