Women rights, childbearing choice, procreation freedom, social pressure, Simone de Beauvoir, feminism, reproductive rights, individual freedom, societal norms
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Abstract
This document explores the societal pressure on women to have children and the importance of freedom of choice regarding procreation.
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[...] In short, I want to be myself, free and without constraint. This choice is often criticized because procreation, the act of giving life to a child, is a biological and natural action of all living species. Therefore, it has been established as a fundamental social norm of the process of internalizing social norms, socialization. All these norms have an impact on our social life and our freedom. In fact, these norms define society and who we are, sometimes limiting our choices and identity as individuals. [...]
[...] Throughout History, founding a family and having a child has become one of the strongest social norms in all human societies, as it is supported by all religions. It has therefore become common for all women to have children, and it is considered abnormal not to have children after a certain age. One can say that there is a 'maternal obligation' because it is expected of women to found a family and have children. Judgment of others regarding the choice not to have children However, today an increasing number of women are choosing not to have children. [...]
[...] (1949) Second Sex, Volume 1. - DeBest, C. (2015) The choice of a childless life. - Pontoreau, P (2003) Des Enfants, to have or not to have. [...]
[...] Next, we will ask ourselves if making this choice is a form of selfishness. Finally, in the third part, we will talk about the risks of regrets when one has had children. After concluding on the question, I will give my personal feeling on this theme in a personal balance. II. The question of identity and socialization in the choice to procreate II.1. The duty to procreate in society Having children: a social norm Like all living beings, humans are made to procreate and perpetuate the species. [...]
[...] More recently, economic difficulties have had such an impact on households that many women have chosen not to have children for economic precariousness reasons. The lack of means to allow their child to have a healthy life and the lack of time due to working hours push some women to make this choice. Another choice under constraint is not having found the right partner to take this big decision. Also, some women experience fear of the body change becoming a mother, which is a very important element of identity. Secondly, choosing not to have children can be a feminist decision. [...]
