Choosing a life with no children. The role of sexism on the relationship between religiosity and the attitudes toward voluntary childlessness

Though not having children is no longer as unusual as it once was, voluntary childlessness is still a controversial choice that might generate moral outrage against people who choose not to have children. The current study explored the associated factors related to the attitudes towards voluntary childlessness in a sample of 418 adults aged 18 to 82 (M = 28.94, SD = 12.63, 76.1% females). Specifically, we investigated the links between participants' attitudes toward benevolent and hostile sexism, religiosity, and a series of demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, education, relationship status, and parental status). Based on previous related literature, we hypothesized that sexism would mediate the relationship between religiosity and voluntary childlessness. Results suggested that older and married participants with children had more negative attitudes related to voluntary childlessness. Additionally, overall sexism and its two dimensions (hostile and benevolent sexism) partially mediated the relationship between religiosity and attitudes towards voluntary childlessness. The practical implications of these results are discussed in light of Romania's cultural and socio-economic context, a post-communist country and the most religious state in Europe.

Automated summary

This study explored the factors associated with attitudes towards voluntary childlessness. Results showed that older, married individuals with children tended to have more negative attitudes towards voluntary childlessness. Additionally, sexism partially mediated the relationship between religiosity and attitudes towards voluntary childlessness.