Factsheet
- Word Type: Noun
- Pronunciation:
- /ˌæn.tiˈneɪ.təl.ɪzəm/
- Rhyming Words: criticism, prism, schism
- Field: Philosophy, Social Issues
- First Known Use: 1961
Etymology
The word antinatalism is formed from:
- Anti- (Greek origin): meaning “against” or “opposed to.”
- Natalism (from Latin natalis): relating to birth or procreation.
The term reflects a stance against procreation or the promotion of population growth, often grounded in moral, philosophical, or environmental arguments.
Meaning & Use
Definition
Antinatalism refers to:
- Opposition to human procreation, based on the belief that bringing new life into existence is morally questionable or harmful.
- Advocacy for lowering birth rates, often for social, environmental, or economic reasons.
Key Contexts and Philosophical Basis
- Philosophy: Philosophers like David Benatar argue in Better Never to Have Been that coming into existence is a harm, as life inherently involves suffering.
- Social Commentary: Antinatalism critiques societal or cultural pressures to procreate, citing overpopulation, environmental strain, or personal autonomy.
- Cultural Perspectives: Historical references to antinatalism include thinkers like Polybius and Luther, who commented on the ethical or societal implications of reproduction.
Quotations in Context
- 1961:
“The foreign proponents of Asian antinatalism hope that birth control combined with economic aid will encourage the rising nations of Asia to exercise their new power at home.”
— K. Organski & A. F. K. Organski, Population & World Power - 1972:
“If the introduction of shifts in social institutions had some advantages in addition to antinatalism—for instance, greater freedom for women, a value in its own right—these could be taken as offsetting some other, possibly harmful, consequences.”
— Science - 2006:
“It is..argued that anti-natalism does not imply that death is never bad or that everybody ought to practice suicide.”
— D. Benatar, Better Never to Have Been - 2009:
“There is a creeping anti-natalism in America that has made having large families a radical act.”
— Wall Street Journal
Pronunciation
- Phonetic: /ˌæn.tiˈneɪ.təl.ɪzəm/
- Rhyming Words: criticism, prism, schism
The stress is on the second syllable (neɪ), with a smooth flow through the ending.
Examples in Everyday Use
- Philosophical Debate:
- “The debate on antinatalism raises important ethical questions about suffering and the value of existence.”
- Cultural Critique:
- “The trend toward smaller families reflects growing antinatalism in industrialized nations.”
- Environmental Advocacy:
- “Some environmentalists support antinatalism as a way to combat overpopulation and climate change.”
Synonyms
- Anti-procreation
- Birth control advocacy
- Population reduction advocacy
Conclusion
Antinatalism is a complex and often controversial philosophical and social stance that questions the ethics of bringing new life into the world. Rooted in concerns about suffering, environmental sustainability, and personal freedom, it challenges traditional views on reproduction. Whether approached as a personal belief or societal critique, antinatalism continues to provoke thought and debate in both academic and public discourse.
