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Childlessness

Why do some people risk social stigma by deciding not to have children?

With increasing numbers of Westerners opting to have smaller families, some go one step further and decide to have no children at all. As a result they often face suspicion, abuse even, for being selfish or materialistic. Women, in particular, who decide to go childless, experience the full force of this near-universal stigma. Mary-Ann Ochota speaks to people who’ve made this often lonely decision.

Presenter: Mary-Ann Ochota
Producer: Rose de Larrabeiti

(Photo: Empty old swings, Credit: Chailuk Chalathai/Shutterstock)

Available now

23 minutes

Last on

Mon 17 May 2021 13:45GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 10 Jul 2017 12:32GMT
  • Mon 10 Jul 2017 21:06GMT
  • Tue 11 Jul 2017 01:32GMT
  • Mon 17 Jul 2017 05:32GMT
  • Tue 18 Jul 2017 11:04GMT
  • Sat 27 Feb 2021 21:45GMT
  • Mon 17 May 2021 13:45GMT

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