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| Lecturer in Sociology of Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM). (Photo: Istimewa) |
The term childfree has been widely discussed by the public lately. Childfree is a couple's decision not to have children or offspring. This was explained by Dr. Vina Salviana Darvina Soedarwo, M.Sc., as Lecturer in Sociology, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).
Judging from the modern concept, according to her, being childfree is usually in line with state policy. For example, under state policy, families can only have one child. Even with a country that has a high price for basic needs, it will certainly affect the couple's decision.
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"Couples who choose to be childless think that children will be an economic burden. Taking care of children will also be a burden in terms of time, especially if both partners work. If this is adopted by countries that have large Muslim populations, it will certainly conflict with the concept of Islam. The position of children in Islam is a mandate given by Allah to His servants," he explained.
Vina, as she is called, revealed that children are also valued as gifts. So parents have to care for and raise it. But it cannot be denied that children can also be a test for parents. This actually depends on how well parents are able to care for them. Children are also the next generation; therefore, the idealism of childfreeness, if it continues to grow, can affect the quantity of future generations.
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"For example, there are 125 million couples. One couple thought that only they and their partner had chosen to be childless, but apparently many other couples thought the same thing. So the number of childless couples is increasing and causing the next generation to decrease," she explained.
In Indonesia, the majority of couples still want to start a family and have children. But on the other hand, according to Vina, as relational beings, humans must respect each other's decisions.
"In everyday life, we have to respect their decisions, but we can also return to the concept of Islam. If you can have children, why not have them? Because Allah promises abundant rewards and gifts for parents, and that must be believed," she concluded. (put/nov/wil)
