Persepsi Generasi Z dalam Memaknai Gagasan Childfree (Studi Etnografi pada Generasi Z Di FISIP USU)

Abstract

The idea of going childfree is being discussed among gen Z on social media. The trigger for this conversation was because one of Indonesia's influencers, Gitasav, decided to go childfree. This research aims to see how gen Z's perception interprets the idea of childfree, and what are the factors behind gen Z's perception. The method used is ethnographic method using structuration theory. Data collection techniques in this study used in-depth interviews and field documentation on FISIP USU students. The results showed that gen Z interpreted childfree as a decision or awareness not to have children. The proliferation of childfree conversations on social media makes social media an entry point for informants to get to know the idea of childfree. The factors behind gen Z's perception of childfree are social media factors, family and religious values factors, and childhood trauma and experience factors. Although generation Z is a generation that is considered a generation that is technologically literate so that it has a more open mind than previous generations, not all of the informants who stated agreed with the idea of childfree. It is concluded that the idea of childfree is still at the discourse stage, because there are still few people who realize it in life. Gen Z's interpretation of the idea of childfree takes place through a dialectical process. In society, getting married and having offspring is still considered human nature and success in life. This view is reinforced by the existence of cultural and religious values that have been deeply embedded. Along with the times, the idea of childfree is considered a form of resistance to social expectations that have been around. This explains that social structures are not fixed, but will continue to pull and pull between social interests, values and practices. Gen Z is an active agent that has the potential to change structures through conscious choices and actions.