VALUE STRUCTURE OF SOCIAL MOVEMENT MEMBERS: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE VOLUNTARILY CHILDLESS

Abstract

This study deals with the values of individuals who belong to the social movement which questions the traditional notion that children are a necessary part of their lives. A random sample of a nationwide organization, the National Alliance/or Optional Parenthood, was used. The main finding is that members of this organization are more inwardly oriented than the general U.S. population. They are more interested in gaining support for their decision to remain childless than in reducing pronatalist pressure in society. Thus, their membership in a social movement is motivated more by self-interest than in the public welfare. There is an interest in social change, but this is not as strong as the personal, immediate benefits of membership in the organization.