Self-Definition and Evaluation of the Term “Childfree” Among Hong Kong Women

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ID: 280853
2023
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Abstract
The term “childless” is highly problematic. Attempts to split it into “voluntary” and “involuntary” may appear to give more detail on context, but the differentiation can be misleading. The condition of “-less” has negative connotations and implies “missing” something; possibly something which is “natural.” The term “childfree” has been employed as an alternative expression which denotes active choice, freedom, and emancipation. Few studies, however, have explored how individuals refer to themselves , or how they interpret—or even care—about these distinctions. Such existing studies only explore the use of these English expressions among speakers of English as their primary language. This exploratory qualitative study explores how women without children define themselves in their native language in an Asian setting—Cantonese in Hong Kong. It also explores how such women interpret the various terms developed in English to describe their circumstances. Respondents refer to themselves in neutral, factual terms—literally “without children.” Others make an explicit link between being unmarried and childless status. While respondents find the English expression of “childfree” positive, they do not express a strong need to either deploy it in English, nor “develop” a Cantonese equivalent. The study provides further evidence that “labels” generated and applied by academics in one context and in one language may not be universally applicable.
Reference Key
gietelbasten2023selfdefinitionsage Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Gietel-Basten, S.
Journal SAGE Open
Year 2023
DOI
10.1177/21582440231198994
URL
https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231198994
Keywords Keywords not found

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