Value Orientations and Social Differences in the Attitudes Toward Voluntary Childlessness Among Young Adults in Bulgaria
Value Orientations and Social Differences in the Attitudes Toward Voluntary Childlessness Among Young Adults in Bulgaria

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the study is to explore the dynamics of social-demographic differences between young adults in Bulgaria who have negative attitudes, remain neutral toward or accept voluntary childlessness. The analysis is based on data from the European Social Survey (Bulgarian dataset) conducted in 2006 and 2018. A descriptive trend analysis is applied to reveal the dynamics of the attitudes toward male or female voluntary childlessness among different socio-demographic groups. The analysis reveals an increasing trend of neutrality and a slight increase in the affirmative attitudes toward VC among different socio-demographic groups. Applied correlation analysis shows a significant association between the attitudes toward voluntary childlessness, non-marital unions and parenthood in such unions, divorce of parents with small children and mothers’ early return to work. The present study also outlines the differences in the general value orientations of the individuals who reject, remain neutral or accept voluntary childlessness. Young adults with neutral or affirmative attitudes support to a lesser degree the traditional norms related to modesty, obedience, and respect for the traditional authorities, and strongly emphasize freedom of self-expression, independence, joy and excitement in life, and trust in others.

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