Why and when choosing child-free life in Sweden? Reasons, influencing factors and personal and societal factors: Individual interviews during 2020–2021

Abstract

ObjectiveFew studies have examined a voluntarily child-free life in the Nordic countries. The aim of this study was to explore reasons, influencing factors, and personal and social factors in individuals who chose to lead a child-free life in Sweden. MethodsTwenty-three individual interviews were conducted during 2020–2021, and data were analysed through thematic network analysis. ResultsThe organising themes captured how the informants discovered pathways and managed social structures to feel certain in their decision to lead a child-free life. The informants highlighted freedom, independence and governing their own time in everyday life and acknowledged the younger generation as being more open-minded towards child-free individuals. ConclusionsAll the informants, who had chosen to lead a child-free life, were confident in their decision. They appreciated living in a country where it was possible to make this personal and important life choice independently. Further knowledge is needed about remaining child-free.