The path of the childless : the experience of being childfree in the Maltese context : an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

This research aims to explore women’s thoughts and decision making processes throughout their lives and how they perceive themselves through their own eyes as well as how they think others see them. The essence of their experience while living a childfree life is captured in an attempt to give a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of being a Maltese woman going through the path less taken. Five Maltese women between the ages of 35 - 46 were interviewed using semi structured interviews. Using IPA, results show that pressures are most present in the childbearing years and a sense of relief is present after they pass. The strong Catholic upbringing brings about an interesting cultural dynamic and seems to play a big role in the decision making process of these women. In discussing their motivation, most participants took up a feminist position in describing Malta as a context that traditionally views household and childrearing as the sole responsibility of the women, with very little change throughout decades.