Discuss the topics of the Republic 21 in the SPIEGEL-Arena
THE MIRROR
Mid 30s, single, childless.
For some it is the best life plan at this time and under the given circumstances, for others unimaginable.
Especially women who decide against having children have to listen to a lot like the motto: "You will still want children, but then it will be too late".
In addition, having children is seen as a service to society: after all, with a little luck, parents will raise a future tax and pension payer.
Last but not least, many mothers and fathers talk about their offspring with shining eyes: How much richer their lives have become since they have one or more children. How fascinating it is to see little people grow up and grow up. How overwhelming a child's unconditional love is. Women in their mid-30s in particular are therefore being asked more and more urgently whether they want to start slowly with family planning.
On the other hand, even in 2021, children will often still mean disadvantages, especially for women.
As a rule, they take on a large part of the care work in the families and therefore often put their career planning and their private interests on the back burner.
Some even openly or anonymously report under the heading "Regretting Motherhood" that they retrospectively regret becoming a mother.
Isn't it maybe even better to decide against having children before putting your own happiness aside?
Is the childless life plan perhaps also a symptom of inadequate family politics?
Or, conversely, is having children much too glorified in our society?
And: is it really the case that childless people do less for society than people with children?
How do you see it Let us know your opinion on the topic on Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 from 5 p.m. here in the comment area and discuss it with other community members.
If you want to join the discussion, all you have to do is register.
You do that here.
Please also note our community guidelines and our FAQ on the comment area.
If you have any questions, please write to us at community@spiegel.de.
far