FISIP UIN Jakarta and APSSI Discuss Resilience of Millennial and Gen Z in Facing the Global Childfree Culture

FISIP, UIN News Online – The childfree lifestyle among young couples has become a topic of interest and widespread discussion. Choosing not to have children is often seen as counter to cultural norms and social expectations, leading to debates.

To delve deeper into this phenomenon, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UIN Jakarta, in collaboration with the Indonesian Association of Sociology Study Program (APPSI), hosted a public discussion titled "The Resilience of Millennial and Gen Z in Facing the Infiltration of Global Childfree Culture."

The discussion was attended by the Dean of FISIP UIN Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Dzuriyatun Toyibah, M.Si., M.A., APPSI Chairperson Dr. Harmona Daulay, S.Sos., M.Si, and speakers Bambang Ruswandi, M.Stat., Dr. Wahidah R. Bulan, M.Si., and Dr. Ida Rosyidah, M.A. Also present were APPSI officials and the academic community of FISIP UIN Jakarta.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Dzuriyatun Toyibah highlighted that the discussion aims to explore how the childfree concept is viewed as a stereotype and whether it conflicts with Indonesian culture. Dr. Harmona Daulay welcomed the collaboration, noting the discussion's relevance to Millennials and Gen Z. He also mentioned that the discussion would include a presentation of a research proposal on childfree that will be conducted by FISIP and APPSI research teams.

Dr. Wahidah R. Bulan explained that childfree is not a new phenomenon and has been present since the 15th century. The practice of being childfree has generally increased among individuals aged 15-50, particularly in developing countries.

"Today, being childfree is not due to economic reasons but rather a modern lifestyle choice," she explained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ida Rosyidah discussed religious perspectives on childfree lifestyle. Religions such as Islam, Protestantism, and Hinduism hold strong pronatalist principles, encouraging procreation after marriage as a form of religious obedience. She also noted that being childfree can impact women socially (through stigmatization) and biologically, such as higher risks of certain health conditions.

“Women who choose to be childfree face higher risks of uterine and breast tumors compared to men,” she added.

Finally, Bambang Ruswandi explained that the research on childfree will use a mixed-method approach to balance the various dimensions of the issue. Factors influencing Millennial and Gen Z views on childfree will be considered in this approach. The discussion serves as a starting point for further research aimed at providing preventive and promotional solutions related to the childfree phenomenon.

“This preventive solution is an effort to prevent and promote awareness of social phenomena,” he emphasized.

The public discussion aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the childfree phenomenon, especially in the context of Millennial and Gen Z generations, covering social, cultural, religious, and health perspectives presented by the speakers.

For those interested in watching the event, it can be accessed via live streaming on UIN Jakarta’s YouTube channel at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjaqLepemO4

(Shely Nurloka/Fauziah M./Syarifah Nur K.)