LETTERS: We should question why more people are choosing to remain either single or child-free .
Worse, there are advocates of this lifestyle. It is unhealthy when it becomes a trend.
When arguing for such a lifestyle, certain quarters, including social media influencers, emphasise financial and personal freedom.
They often use testimonials from child-free individuals, contrasting their lifestyles with those of parents, sometimes painting a stark picture of the burdens of parenthood.
An increasing preference for child-free living poses potential risks for societal health. Thus, we argue that when fewer people choose to have children, the social fabric can weaken.
Such a tendency means:
THE average age of the population increases. This demographic shift can lead to a society skewed towards older generations, with fewer young people to drive cultural and social innovation.
OLDER adults without children may face higher risks of loneliness and social isolation, as traditional family support structures erode. Studies have shown that strong family ties contribute to mental and emotional wellbeing.
CHILDREN are bearers of cultural heritage and traditions. A significant drop in birth rates may lead to a dilution or loss of cultural identity over generations.
Islamic teachings place a high importance on family and procreation, viewing children as a blessing and a means of fulfilling one's religious duty.
The portrayal of parenthood in some child-free advocacy is overly negative towards those who choose to have children.
This dichotomy can create societal divisions and pressure individuals into making life choices based on social trends rather than personal convictions.
The child-free movement, under the name of promoting personal freedom and economic benefits, poses significant threats to societal health and stability.
The rise of child-free lifestyles exacerbates the issue of an ageing population, leading to a society skewed towards older generations with fewer young people to drive economic growth and social innovation.
MUHAMMAD AIZAT RASLI
Vice-President
Malaysian Muslim Solidarity
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times