The state or condition of not having children.
From 'childless' (child + -less, meaning without) + '-ness' (suffix forming nouns from adjectives). The word emerged as societies increasingly recognized and discussed the condition of remaining without offspring.
Historically, 'childlessness' was viewed as tragedy or failure, but modern use of the word reveals changing attitudes—now 'childless' versus 'child-free' reveals a linguistic shift between viewing it as something lacking versus a chosen identity.
Stigmatized primarily as women's condition; childless women historically framed as incomplete or deviant, while childless men faced minimal social penalty until recently. Reflects assumption that motherhood = female fulfillment.
Use neutrally for any gender; avoid implying childlessness is tragedy or failure. Acknowledge that access to parenthood varies by gender, sexuality, class, health, and circumstance.
["without children (simpler)","child-free (if chosen)"]
Childless women built intellectual, artistic, and professional legacies while resisting maternal mandate; their contributions were historically minimized or attributed to male relatives.
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