Choosing to be Childless, Is It Selfish?
Choosing to be Childless, Is It Selfish? The usual order of things is that people meet one another, fall in love, become engaged, and marry. One of the oldest customs at the wedding ceremony is to throw rice after the vows are taken. Today, due to environmental considerations, we use substitutes for rice. Regardless of whether it’s rice or some alternative substance, the purpose is the same. It’s a symbol of fertility. The message is clear from the outset. Society expects the couple to have children. After the wedding, couples face pressure to procreate in a number of ways. Parents and in-laws make it perfectly clear that they want grandchildren. The way this is communicated may be direct or indirect. Directly, there are those family members who straight out ask the couple when they plan to have children, or “Isn’t it time already?” Others make more subtle hints, such as asking when the couple plans to purchase a home with more room than they now have. They may use such terms ...