Pergeseran Makna Anak Dalam Praktik Pilihan Hidup Tanpa Anak (Childfree)

Abstract

Childfree is a conscious decision made by individuals or couples to not have children, a phenomenon increasingly visible among urban women in Jakarta. This choice often challenges dominant social, cultural, and religious norms that define motherhood as a central role for women. The study aims to explore the background of women’s decision-making in Jakarta, interpret the meaning of childfree for them, and analyze this phenomenon within Zygmunt Bauman’s concept of liquid modernity. This research employs a qualitative case study approach, conducted in Jakarta between October–November 2023 and November 2024. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and literature review, involving four key informants and two triangulation informants. The qualitative design allowed for a deeper understanding of the subjective experiences and interpretations of women who consciously chose to be childfree. Findings reveal that childfree is not merely a rejection of motherhood but a pursuit of meaning, autonomy, and self-determination. Financial, psychological, and philosophical considerations strongly influence these decisions, while challenges arise from family expectations, peer groups, and cultural norms that continue to stigmatize childfree women. Social media plays a crucial role as a space for education, discussion, and emotional support, enabling women to connect with communities that validate their choices. Ultimately, childfree emerges as part of the broader dynamics of urban modernity, reflecting shifting values, individualization, and the negotiation of identity in contemporary society.