Being Childfree in New Zealand

This book is the product of a qualitative study undertaken for a Masters degree in Social Science. It based on the experiences of ten New Zealand couples who, by choice, do not have children. Strong social norms exist for couples to have children, and those who express a desire to do otherwise have been disbelieved, pressured, and stereotyped. Womanhood has continued to be associated with motherhood, and a maternal instinct is expected to drive women (in particular) to have children. This book shares the perspectives of both women and men, on how family members, friends, and complete strangers react to their choice to not have children. Stereotypes, assumptions, and various other responses faced by the couples (together and as individuals) are discussed from a critical, feminist perspective.