In today’s society, there is a common belief that having children leads to happiness. Even though having a kid may foster a sense of purpose in some parents resulting in a higher perception of delightfulness, I do believe that people who do not have children can equally find happiness. From my perspective, having a stable job and a live surrounded by loved ones are some factors that can ensure joy in an individual’s life.
On the one hand, for many years, building a family has been perceived as a common goal in society. This idealised dream has always been ingrained in society, being reinforced in movies, TV shows, and book over the years, and influencing people getting married and having children. As a consequence, by accomplishing that objective, people can feel more satisfied with their lives. Moreover, it gives a sense of purpose, since parents need to look after their kids, guaranteeing they grow up in a good environment and pursue their dreams. For instance, many parents who could not go to a certain university usually wants their children to do so, and, when it happens, parents become extremely grateful and cheerful. Hence, becoming a parent is part of a ritual that rises levels of satisfaction and purpose, ultimately increasing perceived happiness.
However, as the world faces multiple transformations driven by late-stage capitalism and technological advances, some values have deeply changed, and so have the means of feeling joyful about life. Due to the elevation of prices and fast-paced lifestyles, many individuals decide to not have children, prioritising their career over having a family, especially since it is becoming extremely hard to balance those two. Having a stable career can ensure a great level of satisfaction, which can make people delighted. Additionally, people can spend time with their loved ones, even if they are not blood-related, increasing the sense of belonging, and, lately, happiness. For example, the number of friends living together has grown in recent years, as a way to replace what was once the family’s role. Thus, as new values have emerged in society, it is expected that citizens find alternative factors that lead to happiness.
In summary, both individuals with children and childless people can be happy, as long as they follow their dreams and are satisfied with their lives. Some changes in the world have caused individuals to perceive happiness in other factors in life, such as career accomplishments and spending time with loved ones.