The Chosen Lives of Childfree Men

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Patricia W. Lunneborg

ISBN: 0-89789-598-3

ISBN-13: 978-0-89789-598-9

DOI:

160 pages

Praeger Publishers

Publication: 3/30/1999

List Price: $76.95 (UK Sterling Price: £53.95)

Availability: In Stock

Media Type: Hardcover

Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4

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Description: More and more couples are choosing not to have children. While much attention has been paid to this trend from a woman's point of view, men are often seen as having a secondary role in this choice, as ready to accept whatever their partners decide. In an age when men are expected to be caregivers as well as breadwinners and encouraged to take on more parental responsibilities, this volume argues that they need to be active participants in this crucial, life-altering decision. Based on in-depth interviews with 30 American and British childless men, this is the first book to explore the motives and consequences of voluntary childlessness from a man's perspective.

The interviewees explain the reasons for their choice and explore its impact on their freedom, relationships, job opportunities, and finances. They also discuss their mixed feelings, their family background, and their concern over the world's ever-growing population. The picture that emerges challenges the stereotype of men who decide against parenthood as immature, selfish, and irresponsible. Although each man provides several reasons, the author identifies nine main types of childfree men, including workaholics, lifelong learners, early retirees, stress reducers, and men who don't want to repeat the mistakes of their parents.

Table of Contents:

Preface
Not to Be a Father?
Personal Development
Relationships
Work and Money
At Home
Avoiding Mistakes
Not Liking Kids
Early Retirement
Avoiding Stress
Staying the Way We Are
Mixed Feelings
Men and Overpopulation
The Father Connection
To Sum Up
Appendix
References
Index

About the Author: PATRICIA LUNNEBORG is a former Professor of Psychology and Adjunct Professor of Women's Studies at the University of Washington. She has published more than 100 scholarly articles and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Counseling Division). Since her retirement, she has written several books, including Women Changing Work (Bergin & Garvey, 1990) and Abortion: A Positive Decision (Bergin & Garvey, 1992).

LCC Class: 306


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