Some sociologists argue that we should be more concerned
about the trend towards childlessness that has appeared in
recent years. 1/5 of women will choose to remain childless.
Cost of childcare
Williams 2006
Cites ONS figures showing women want to have babies later, if at all. In 1980,
70% of women expected to have children by the age of 30, by 2001 this was
just 40%. Cost of childcare in 2004 was a 1/4 of the average household income.
Birth control
Sharpe 1994
Girls were more confident and ambitious
and put more priority on education, careers
and financial independence from men.