third clique

As the cost of living rises and priorities shift, more couples are rethinking parenthood. Is choosing a child-free a sign of independence or a break from tradition.

Looks like Gen Z is ditching the baby shower! As we struggle with economic anxieties such as the skyrocketing cost of living, environmental degradations, and heightened antennae for all things mental health, the idea of wanting to opt out of the baby race has never looked so tempting to our generation.
Is it selfish, or is it an individualistic point of view to not have kids?

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Having grown up amid a global pandemic and conflict, many older Gen Zers experience a profound fear of whether they want to have children,or even enter into a relationship. “Raising kids in an uneasy economic situation is hard,” says Gaurav Kohli, a 27-year-old lawyer from Gurgaon. “A lot of kids grew up seeing their parents struggle, but their parents had kids because the cultural pressure drove them to make babies. Now, with a choice and a lack of pressure, many people do not want to bring a kid into the world only to give them a bad childhood.”

The decision to remain child-free is multifaceted. Financial insecurity is a major concern, with many prioritizing monetary stability over starting a family. This trend among Gen Z is a part of a broader cultural phenomenon, that includes the rise of DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) which emerged in the 1980s and later rose to prominence due to social media.

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“Not having kids was a decision I made long ago,” says 32-year-old Bangalore-based Writer, Meenakshi, who requested anonymity. “Friends and family would often caution me, saying, ‘You might change your mind when you meet the right person. But after being married for three years, my husband and I are more convinced than ever. We enjoy our independence and the freedom to travel or spend a quiet evening at home. We’re not anti-children; we prefer being the fun aunt and uncle who spoil the kids with treats and stories before handing them back to their parents. We like our life just the way it is— simple, peaceful, and uncomplicated.”

While people like Meenakshi and Gaurav feel empowered by their choices, they cannot help but still feel judged in a country like India, Where parenthood is deeply entrenched in the social fiber of India. Being child-free is a comparatively new phenomenon and still seeks acceptance from society.

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Yuri Saharia, a 38-year-old life coach and a divorcee from Delhi sums it up well: “It’s not about being selfish. It’s about making a decision that is in the best interest of myself and society. I believe that by focusing on my careerand not contfibuting to overpopulation, I’m playing my part in shaping a better future.”
Despite the shortcomings we face today that challenge the institution of marriage and parenthood, Neeraj Baroowa, a 35-year-old father of two from Guwahati believes that having children surpasses every so-called struggle. “In today’s world, raising a child is undeniably expensive, but for me, the joy of parenthood outweighs the financial burden.” He adds, “These necessities may cost more than ever, but when I come home after a long day-and my kids run to hug me, none of that matters. We cut back on luxuries, and we plan carefully because no amount of money can replace the love that comes with raising a family. If we keep waiting for the ‘perfect’ time to have kids, we might wait forever.”

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The choice to have or not have children is deeply personal. Yet, child-free and DINK couples often face criticism for being selfish. But is prioritising personal life, financial stability, and freedom wrong—or just a different way of navigating life? On the other hand, parenthood is an intrinsic human inclination. Ultimately, both choices stem from individual priorities and values-so, which one will you choose?