The Rising Political Influence of Childfree Adults: A Group That Can No Longer Be Ignored

9 months ago 411

U.S. Vice Presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance recently made headlines when past comments he made in 2021 resurfaced. Vance had remarked that the U.S. was being run by Democrats, corporate oligarchs, and “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.” While politicians and pundits often emphasize the impact of suburban family voters, a significant and growing segment of the population—those without children—is often overlooked.

According to Zachary Neal and Jennifer Watling Neal, professors in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University, there are more of these so-called "childless cat ladies" than most people realize, and they are beginning to organize politically. The Neals, who study “childfree” adults—those who choose not to have children—suggest that this group’s influence on politics could be substantial and that politicians might need to rethink their strategies when approaching these voters.

How Many Childfree Adults Are There?

Research conducted by the Neals estimates that between 20% and 25% of adults in Michigan, or over 1.5 million people, identify as childfree. This is consistent with national surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which also indicate that the number of childfree adults is substantial and growing.

In contrast, childless adults—those who wanted children but could not have them due to social or biological reasons—make up only about 3% to 4% of the population. This means that there are three to four times more childfree adults than childless adults, highlighting a significant demographic that is often mischaracterized or misunderstood.

Who Are Childfree Adults?

Childfree adults are not a monolithic group; they come from various walks of life and are similar to the general population in many ways. While some may fit the stereotype of having a cat, others have dogs, and many have no pets at all. Childfree adults share similar personality traits and levels of life satisfaction with their peers who have children or plan to have them.

However, there are some demographic differences. Men (24%) are more likely to be childfree than women (18%), and white individuals (23%) are more likely to be childfree compared to people of color (14%). These distinctions reflect broader societal trends but do not define the entire childfree population, which is diverse and varied.

The Political Impact of Childfree Adults

In Michigan, childfree adults tend to lean more liberal compared to parents and those who plan to have children. This liberal trend was notably intensified following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned constitutional protections for abortion. After this landmark decision, the percentage of Michigan adults identifying as childfree jumped from 21% to 26%, highlighting a potential shift in political dynamics and signaling that childfree adults could become a significant voting bloc.

Despite their growing numbers, childfree adults are often overlooked by policymakers, who tend to prioritize the needs of parents and children. This marginalization might explain the recent efforts to consolidate childfree adults’ political influence, such as the formation of the Alliance of Childfree Voters. This group aims to advocate for the interests of childfree individuals and ensure their voices are heard in political arenas where they have traditionally been underrepresented.

Why Politicians Should Pay Attention

The childfree population is a large and increasingly politically active demographic that has been neglected for too long. As their numbers grow, so too does their potential to influence elections and shape policy. Politicians and policymakers who fail to acknowledge the needs and perspectives of childfree adults risk alienating a significant portion of the electorate.

Understanding and engaging with childfree adults as a unique and valid demographic group—rather than dismissing them as mere outliers—could be crucial for future political success. By recognizing and addressing the concerns of childfree individuals, political leaders can better represent the full spectrum of their constituents, ensuring that the voices of all Americans are heard, whether they choose to have children or not.

As childfree adults continue to organize and advocate for their needs, it is clear that this group can no longer be ignored. Their impact on the political landscape is only beginning to be realized, and it’s time for politicians to take notice and engage with this influential and diverse group of voters.