If you’re a DINK or SINK, you might have noticed there are many myths about your lifestyle choices. A DINK is a Dual Income No Kid household, and a SINK is a Single Income No Kid household. The mainstream think having children is positive. This means many view childfree by choice individuals as suspicious. This is especially true for women.

These myths are also known as prejudice. Prejudice is a set of preconceived beliefs about a group of people that are not based on reality. Many of the prejudices associated with DINKs have their roots in patriarchal ideology. Patriarchal thought says men are in power over women and children. Children are good because they can learn this ideology, keeping men in control for years to come.

Stigma is an unwanted label people carry due to the majority’s prejudices. Being stigmatized is a painful experience. Because of the sexist nature of childfree prejudice, childfree women are disproportionately affected. For example, US Vice President J.D. Vance has made degrading remarks about “childless cat ladies.”

It is important to understand and dispel common prejudices about childfree people. This can help reduce stigma. Below, we’ll cover common myths and why they aren’t true.

One myth impacting female DINKs and SINKs is that you’re not a real woman until you are a mother. This notion stems from the idea that because women can bear children, they should bear children. Orna Donath, author of Regretting Motherhood, writes that........

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